Almarudite is a rare member of the osumilite group, typically found as small, colorless to pale yellow prismatic crystals. It is primarily identified in volcanic rocks and alkaline pegmatites, often occurring in complex mineral assemblages. Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, it is a highly sought-after species for mineralogists and specialist collectors.
Is this almarudite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch almarudite with a known reference. Almarudite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Almarudite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Almarudite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Almarudite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside almarudite
Minerals reported to co-occur with almarudite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K(Mn,Fe,Mg)₂(Be,Al)₃(Si₁₂O₃₀)
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.64 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Rocks, Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find almarudite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eifel Mountains, Germany
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic rocks, alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where almarudite typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, augite, magnetite 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
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Find almarudite on the map
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