Alumoåkermanite is a rare member of the melilite group typically found in contact metamorphic skarns. It usually occurs as small, tabular crystals associated with other calcium silicates in environments where limestone has been altered by igneous intrusions.
Is this alumoåkermanite?
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 alumoåkermanite with a known reference. Alumoåkermanite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alumoåkermanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Alumoåkermanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Alumoåkermanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside alumoåkermanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with alumoåkermanite. 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
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits, Contact Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find alumoåkermanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Italy
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits, contact metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where alumoåkermanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, wollastonite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify alumoåkermanite?+
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Find alumoåkermanite on the map
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