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, 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.