Lomonosovite
A variety of Murmanite Group
What is Lomonosovite?
Lomonosovite is a phosphate–silicate mineral with the idealized formula Na10Ti4(Si2O7)2(PO4)2O4 early Na5Ti2(Si2O7)(PO4)O2 or Na2Ti2Si2O9*Na3PO4. The main admixtures are niobium (up to 11.8% Nb2O5), manganese (up to 4.5 %MnO) and iron (up to 2.8%).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lomonosovite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Lomonosovite Localities Map
See where Lomonosovite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Lomonosovite
According to X-ray data, lomonosovite structure was determined is triclinic unit cell with parameters: a = 5.44 Å, b = 7.163 Å, c = 14.83 Å, α = 99°, β = 106°, and γ = 90°, usually centrosymmetric (sp. gr. P-1), but acentric varieties (polytype) are also reported. The crystal structure of lomonosovite is based on three-layer HOH packets consisting of a central octahedral O layer and two outer heteropolyhedral H layers. Ti- and Na centered octahedra are distinguished in the O layer, whereas the H layers are composed of Ti-centered octahedra and Si2O7 diorthogroups, (like in other heterophyllosilicates, for example lamprophyllite). The interpacket space includes Na cations and PO4 anions.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Dark cinnamon-brown to black, also rose-violet
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3 - 4
- Streak
- Light rose-cinnamon
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na5Ti2(Si2O7)(PO4)O2
- Elements
- Na, O, P, Si, Ti
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Lomonosovite FAQs
How do I identify Lomonosovite?
Lomonosovite can be identified by its hardness of 3 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Dark cinnamon-brown to black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Lomonosovite?
Lomonosovite typically appears in Dark cinnamon-brown to black, also rose-violet. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Lomonosovite?
Lomonosovite has a hardness of 3 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of lomonosovite of Lomonosovite?
According to X-ray data, lomonosovite structure was determined is triclinic unit cell with parameters: a = 5.44 Å, b = 7.163 Å, c = 14.83 Å, α = 99°, β = 106°, and γ = 90°, usually centrosymmetric (sp. gr. P-1), but acentric varieties (polytype) are also reported. The crystal structure of lomonosovite is based on three-layer HOH packets consisting of a central octahedral O layer and two outer heteropolyhedral H layers. Ti- and Na centered octahedra are distinguished in the O layer, whereas the H layers are composed of Ti-centered octahedra and Si2O7 diorthogroups, (like in other heterophyllosilicates, for example lamprophyllite). The interpacket space includes Na cations and PO4 anions.