Alloriite is a rare member of the cancrinite group of minerals, typically found in alkaline igneous complexes. It forms small, prismatic to tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other cancrinite-group members without advanced chemical analysis.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Alloriite

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

Is this alloriite?

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 alloriite with a known reference. Alloriite 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. Alloriite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Alloriite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside alloriite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca,K)₈(Si₆Al₆O₂₄)(SO₄,Cl,OH)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.35 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find alloriite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where alloriite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify alloriite?+

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

Where is alloriite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is alloriite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like alloriite?+

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

What minerals are found with alloriite?+

Alloriite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Microcline, Aegirine, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does alloriite form in?+

Alloriite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is alloriite used for?+

Alloriite is used in collector.

Find alloriite on the map

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