Arisite-(La) is a rare carbonate mineral discovered in the alkaline pegmatites of the Aris quarries in Namibia. It typically forms delicate, yellow, hexagonal platy crystals that are prized by advanced mineral collectors of rare earth species.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareArisite Group family

Arisite-(La)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this arisite-(la)?

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 arisite-(la) with a known reference. Arisite-(La) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arisite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arisite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

Arisite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside arisite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaLa₂(CO₃)₂F₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find arisite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Aris quarries, Windhoek, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where arisite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arisite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is arisite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Aris quarries, Windhoek, Namibia.

How much is arisite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like arisite-(la)?+

Arisite-(La) is most often confused with Arisite-(Ce), Sabinaite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arisite-(la)?+

Arisite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Natrolite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does arisite-(la) form in?+

Arisite-(La) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arisite-(la) used for?+

Arisite-(La) is used in collector.

Find arisite-(la) on the map

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