Arctite is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or massive aggregates and is often associated with nepheline and aegirine.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Arctite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this arctite?

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 arctite with a known reference. Arctite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arctite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arctite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside arctite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ca₄(PO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.03 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find arctite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where arctite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arctite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is arctite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is arctite worth?+

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

What rocks look like arctite?+

Arctite is most often confused with Apatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arctite?+

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

What kind of rock does arctite form in?+

Arctite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arctite used for?+

Arctite is used in collector.

Find arctite on the map

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