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. Dualite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dualite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
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
- Na₃₀Ca₁₂(Fe,Mn,Mg)₇Zr₄Ti₂NbSi₂₅O₇₄(OH,F)₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.89 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find dualite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where dualite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dualite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
