Åkermanite is a member of the melilite group, typically found in high-temperature, low-pressure contact metamorphic zones or within alkaline igneous rocks. It is most often identified by its tabular tetragonal habit and its occurrence alongside other skarn minerals like diopside and wollastonite.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonMelilite Group family

Åkermanite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this åkermanite?

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 åkermanite with a known reference. Åkermanite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Åkermanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Åkermanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, yellowish, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Åkermanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside åkermanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂MgSi₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.94-2.96 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray Yellowish Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct On {001}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Contact Metamorphosed Limestone, Skarns, Alkali Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find åkermanite

Classic worldwide localities

Monte Somma, Italy
Jacupiranga, Brazil
Ontario, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in contact metamorphosed limestone, skarns, alkali igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where åkermanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, forsterite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify åkermanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray, yellowish.

Where is åkermanite found?+

Notable localities include Monte Somma, Italy; Jacupiranga, Brazil; Ontario, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is åkermanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like åkermanite?+

Åkermanite is most often confused with Gehlenite, Diopside. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with åkermanite?+

Åkermanite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Forsterite, Diopside, Wollastonite, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does åkermanite form in?+

Åkermanite typically forms in contact metamorphosed limestone, skarns, alkali igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is åkermanite used for?+

Åkermanite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find åkermanite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.