Albite is the sodium-rich end member of the plagioclase feldspar solid solution series. It is frequently identified by its characteristic polysynthetic twinning visible as striations on crystal faces and its occurrence in igneous pegmatites.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonPlagioclase Feldspar Group family

Albite

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this albite?

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 albite with a known reference. Albite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Albite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Albite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray, bluish, reddish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside albite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaAlSi₃O₈
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 2.60-2.63 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray Bluish Reddish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}, Good On {010}
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Industrial, Ceramic Production
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $5-50 for small specimens, up to $200 for large display pieces

Where rockhounds find albite

38 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

USA
Italy
Brazil
Norway
Russia

U.S. states with albite

Each link opens a state-specific list of mapped rockhounding spots that produce albite.

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where albite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, muscovite 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. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Maine, New Jersey, Utah — start trip planning there.

Browse 38 U.S. spots for albite →

Common questions

How do you identify albite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, gray, bluish.

Where is albite found?+

Notable localities include USA; Italy; Brazil; Norway; Russia.

Can I find albite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 38 albite rockhounding spots across 12 U.S. states — the top states are Maine, New Jersey, Utah.

How much is albite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for small specimens, up to $200 for large display pieces. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like albite?+

Albite is most often confused with Moonstone, Pink Feldspar. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with albite?+

Albite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Muscovite, Tourmaline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does albite form in?+

Albite typically forms in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is albite used for?+

Albite is used in collector, industrial, ceramic production.

Find albite on the map

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