Lobanovite is a rare member of the bafertisite group typically found as straw-yellow to orange, micaceous, platy crystals. It is most commonly associated with alkaline pegmatites in the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and aesthetic, often bladed, crystal habit.
Is this lobanovite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch lobanovite with a known reference. Lobanovite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lobanovite leaves a white to yellowish white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lobanovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: straw-yellow, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Lobanovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lobanovite leaves white to yellowish white, Bafertisite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Lobanovite and pearly on Bafertisite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lobanovite leaves white to yellowish white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Lobanovite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside lobanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lobanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNaFe²⁺₄Mg₂Ti₂Si₈O₂₄(OH)₄F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White to Yellowish White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Specifically Pegmatites and Hydrothermally Altered Nepheline Syenites
Where rockhounds find lobanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, specifically pegmatites and hydrothermally altered nepheline syenites country, the host setting where lobanovite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lobanovite on the map
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