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Chevkinite
6 in the gallery
Chevkinite is a rare silicate mineral that forms in complex oxide environments, typically found as intricate, prismatic to tabular crystals or grains with a vitreous to resinous luster. Its composition centers on a lead-like cerium-rich oxide framework, with titanium and iron occupying multiple sites, contributing to a varied, dark appearance. The mineral often occurs in peritectic assemblages within alkaline igneous rocks and associated mineral parageneses, producing crystals that can be distinctive in color and habit for collectors.
- Formula
- Ce4(Ti,Fe2+,Fe3+)5O8(Si2O7)2
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Sorosilicate, chevkinite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5–6
- Specific gravity
- 4.3–4.6
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous, submetallic
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- black, brown
- Streak
- brown, gray
- Cleavage
- poor
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, granular, massive
- Radioactive
- Classic / historic
Where Chevkinite is found
Top localities
- Swat District3 specimens
- Antsirabe1 specimen
About Chevkinite
Significant specimens have been reported from Pakistan and Madagascar, where Chevkinite crystals can be found in layered mafic to ultramafic settings and in breccia-rich pockets of nepheline syenites. Mineral collectors prize its rarity and the challenge of identifying and evaluating its crystal forms, which may range from compact granular masses to elongated, bladed crystals embedded in host rocks. The mineral’s unusual composition and relatively scarce availability on the market add to its appeal for specialized collections seeking unusual silicate-oxide chemistries and mineralogical variety.
