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.
Is this depmeierite?
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 depmeierite with a known reference. Depmeierite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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,CO₃)₁-x·3H₂O; (x<0.5)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}, 120o angle is distinguishing
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a peralkaline hydrothermal veinlet cross-cutting alternating foyaite, urtite, and lujavrite rocks in an alkaline igneous complex
Where rockhounds find depmeierite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Karnasurt, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a peralkaline hydrothermal veinlet cross-cutting alternating foyaite, urtite, and lujavrite rocks in an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing natrolite, steenstrupine-, epistolite after vuonnemite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify depmeierite?+
Where is depmeierite found?+
What rocks look like depmeierite?+
What minerals are found with depmeierite?+
What kind of rock does depmeierite form in?+
What is depmeierite used for?+
Find depmeierite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
