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 — 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 — that is 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

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