Calcjarlite is a rare fluoride mineral discovered primarily in the cryolite deposits of Greenland. It typically occurs in granular masses or small tabular crystals and is prized by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Calcjarlite

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

Is this calcjarlite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cryolite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Calcjarlite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-3); luster reads vitreous on Calcjarlite and vitreous to greasy on Cryolite.

Often found alongside calcjarlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaAlF₆
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Cryolite-bearing Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on size and provenance

Where rockhounds find calcjarlite

Classic worldwide localities

Ivigtut, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in cryolite-bearing pegmatites country — that is the host setting where calcjarlite typically forms. If you start seeing cryolite, jarlite, thomsenolite 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 calcjarlite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is calcjarlite found?+

Notable localities include Ivigtut, Greenland.

How much is calcjarlite worth?+

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

What rocks look like calcjarlite?+

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

What minerals are found with calcjarlite?+

Calcjarlite commonly co-occurs with cryolite, jarlite, thomsenolite, siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does calcjarlite form in?+

Calcjarlite typically forms in cryolite-bearing pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is calcjarlite used for?+

Calcjarlite is used in collector.

Find calcjarlite on the map

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