Cryolithionite is a rare lithium-sodium aluminum fluoride mineral that typically forms sharp, translucent to transparent dodecahedral crystals. It was originally discovered in the world-famous cryolite deposit at Ivigtut, Greenland, where it occurred as an inclusion within massive cryolite.
Is this cryolithionite?
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 cryolithionite with a known reference. Cryolithionite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cryolithionite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cryolithionite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Cryolithionite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cryolithionite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cryolithionite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Li₃Al₂F₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.77 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Cryolite-bearing Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find cryolithionite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ivigtut, Greenland
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in cryolite-bearing pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cryolithionite typically forms. If you start seeing cryolite, siderite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find cryolithionite on the map
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