Telyushenkoite is a rare cesium sodium beryllium silicate that forms white to colorless equant anhedral grains. It occurs in boulders from glacial moraine. It was first described from moraine boulders, Dara-i-Pioz glacier, South Tien-Shan Mountains, Tajikistan.
Is this telyushenkoite?
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 telyushenkoite with a known reference. Telyushenkoite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Telyushenkoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Telyushenkoite 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 anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Telyushenkoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside telyushenkoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with telyushenkoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CsNa₆Be₂Al₃Si₁₅O₃₉F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.734 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find telyushenkoite
Classic worldwide localities
- moraine boulders, South Tien-Shan Mountains, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where telyushenkoite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify telyushenkoite?+
Where is telyushenkoite found?+
What rocks look like telyushenkoite?+
What minerals are found with telyushenkoite?+
What kind of rock does telyushenkoite form in?+
What is telyushenkoite used for?+
Find telyushenkoite on the map
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