Dualite is an exceptionally rare complex silicate mineral primarily identified in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It is closely related to the eudialyte group and is typically found as small, distinct prismatic to tabular crystals with a vitreous luster. Due to its scarcity and complex chemistry, it remains a highly sought-after species for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this dualite?
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 dualite with a known reference. Dualite 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: yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Dualite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dualite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dualite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃₀(Ca,Na,Ce,Sr)₁₂(Na,Mn,Fe,Ti)₆Zr₃Ti₃MnSi₅₁O₁₄₄(OH,H₂O,Cl)₉
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed during the final stages of peralkaline pegmatite formation
Where rockhounds find dualite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Alluaiv, Lovozero Pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed during the final stages of peralkaline pegmatite formation. If you start seeing k-na feldspar, nepheline, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dualite?+
Where is dualite found?+
What rocks look like dualite?+
What minerals are found with dualite?+
What kind of rock does dualite form in?+
What is dualite used for?+
Find dualite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
