Clinophosinaite is a rare sodium calcium phosphate silicate found primarily in the hyperalkaline rocks of the Khibiny Massif. It occurs as small, colorless to pale yellow prismatic crystals and is frequently associated with other exotic minerals in pegmatitic veins.
Is this clinophosinaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch clinophosinaite with a known reference. Clinophosinaite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinophosinaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinophosinaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often found alongside clinophosinaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinophosinaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Ca(Si₂O₇)(PO₄)F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $100-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find clinophosinaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where clinophosinaite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find clinophosinaite on the map
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