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, 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.