Shibkovite is a rare potassium calcium zinc oxide that forms white to colorless equant grains. It occurs in coarse-grained microcline-quartz rocks in glacial moraine. It was first described from the moraine of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier, northern Tajikistan.
Is this shibkovite?
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 shibkovite with a known reference. Shibkovite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shibkovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shibkovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: equant grains.
Often confused with
Shibkovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shibkovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shibkovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Ca₂(Zn₃Si₁₂)O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.89 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find shibkovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Darai-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where shibkovite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shibkovite?+
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Find shibkovite on the map
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