Aqualite is an extremely rare hydronium-bearing member of the garnet group typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors look for its characteristic yellowish dodecahedral crystals associated with rare-earth minerals on the Kola Peninsula. It is chemically distinct due to the presence of hydronium ions in its crystal structure.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Aqualite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this aqualite?

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 aqualite with a known reference. Aqualite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aqualite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aqualite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside aqualite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (H₃O)₂Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal quality

Where rockhounds find aqualite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify aqualite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is aqualite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is aqualite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like aqualite?+

Aqualite is most often confused with Grossularite Garnet, Andradite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with aqualite?+

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

What kind of rock does aqualite form in?+

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

What is aqualite used for?+

Aqualite is used in collector.

Find aqualite on the map

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