Calciomurmanite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral typically found in agpaitic nepheline syenite pegmatites. It most commonly appears as platy, micaceous crystals that exhibit a distinct pearly luster on cleavage surfaces, often found in association with sodium-rich minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMurmanite Group family

Calciomurmanite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this calciomurmanite?

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 calciomurmanite with a known reference. Calciomurmanite 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. Calciomurmanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Calciomurmanite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, brown, lavender.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Calciomurmanite leaves white, Lomonosovite leaves yellowish brown; luster reads pearly on Calciomurmanite and vitreous on Lomonosovite.

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Often found alongside calciomurmanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂MnTi₂Si₂O₈(OH,F)·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Brown Lavender
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Foliated Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find calciomurmanite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where calciomurmanite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify calciomurmanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, brown, lavender.

Where is calciomurmanite found?+

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

How much is calciomurmanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like calciomurmanite?+

Calciomurmanite is most often confused with Murmanite, Lomonosovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with calciomurmanite?+

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

What kind of rock does calciomurmanite form in?+

Calciomurmanite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is calciomurmanite used for?+

Calciomurmanite is used in collector.

Find calciomurmanite on the map

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