Ammonioleucite is a rare tectosilicate mineral characterized by its ammonium content replacing potassium in the leucite structure. It typically occurs as small, sharp trapezohedral crystals within cavities of alkaline volcanic rocks and is often discovered through microscopic analysis of mineral suites.
Is this ammonioleucite?
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 ammonioleucite with a known reference. Ammonioleucite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ammonioleucite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ammonioleucite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: trapezohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Ammonioleucite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ammonioleucite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ammonioleucite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (NH₄)AlSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Trapezohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ammonioleucite
Classic worldwide localities
- Terra Sanidino, Italy
- Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where ammonioleucite typically forms. If you start seeing leucite, sanidine, nosean in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a trapezohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ammonioleucite?+
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How much is ammonioleucite worth?+
What rocks look like ammonioleucite?+
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Find ammonioleucite on the map
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