Altisite is a very rare silicate mineral occurring primarily in the hyper-alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms clear or white prismatic crystals within pegmatite veins associated with other unusual alkaline minerals. Collectors prize it as a rare species representative of highly evolved igneous environments.
Is this altisite?
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 altisite with a known reference. Altisite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Altisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Altisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Altisite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside altisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with altisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃K₆Ti₂Si₈O₂₄Cl₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.92 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find altisite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites country, the host setting where altisite typically forms. If you start seeing kalsilite, nepheline, 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
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Find altisite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
