Depmeierite is a rare member of the cancrinite group found in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically appears as small, colorless to white tabular crystals embedded within nepheline-bearing rock matrices.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Depmeierite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this depmeierite?

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 depmeierite with a known reference. Depmeierite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Depmeierite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Depmeierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside depmeierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(PO₄,SO₄,Cl,CO₃)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find depmeierite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where depmeierite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify depmeierite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is depmeierite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is depmeierite 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 depmeierite?+

Depmeierite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Vishnevite, Sodalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with depmeierite?+

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

What kind of rock does depmeierite form in?+

Depmeierite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is depmeierite used for?+

Depmeierite is used in collector.

Find depmeierite on the map

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