Organovaite-Zn is a rare member of the labuntsovite group found primarily in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms small, prismatic crystals that are yellow to brown in color and often associated with microcline and aegirine.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Organovaite-Zn

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this organovaite-zn?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch organovaite-zn with a known reference. Organovaite-Zn sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, pinkish brown, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudomorphous.

Often confused with

Organovaite-Zn vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Labuntsovite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Labuntsovite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 5); luster reads vitreous on Organovaite-Zn and greasy on Labuntsovite.

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Often found alongside organovaite-zn

Minerals reported to co-occur with organovaite-zn. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Zn(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,O)₄·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Pinkish brown White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, pseudomorphous
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline pegmatites

Where rockhounds find organovaite-zn

Classic worldwide localities

Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Alkaline pegmatites. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudomorphous. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify organovaite-zn?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, pinkish brown, white.

Where is organovaite-zn found?+

Notable localities include Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality).

What rocks look like organovaite-zn?+

Organovaite-Zn is most often confused with Labuntsovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with organovaite-zn?+

Organovaite-Zn commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Nepheline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does organovaite-zn form in?+

Where it forms: Alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is organovaite-zn used for?+

Organovaite-Zn is used in collector.

Find organovaite-zn on the map

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