Dyrnæsite-(La) is an extremely rare silicate-carbonate mineral discovered in the alkaline rocks of the Ilimaussaq complex in Greenland. It typically occurs as small, delicate, brownish-yellow platy crystals associated with other rare earth minerals in pegmatite pockets. Due to its scarcity and restricted locality, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTundrite Group family

Dyrnaesite-(La)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this dyrnaesite-(la)?

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 dyrnaesite-(la) with a known reference. Dyrnaesite-(La) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dyrnaesite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dyrnaesite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: thin platy crystals.

Often confused with

Dyrnaesite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside dyrnaesite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂La₂Ti(SiO₄)₂(CO₃)O₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Thin Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500+ for rare micro-mounts

Where rockhounds find dyrnaesite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Dyrnæs, Kvanefjeld, Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where dyrnaesite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing steenstrupine-(ce), microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a thin platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dyrnaesite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is dyrnaesite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Dyrnæs, Kvanefjeld, Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland.

How much is dyrnaesite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for rare micro-mounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dyrnaesite-(la)?+

Dyrnaesite-(La) is most often confused with Tundrite-(Ce), Tundrite-(Nd). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dyrnaesite-(la)?+

Dyrnaesite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Steenstrupine-(Ce), Microcline, Aegirine, Analcime, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dyrnaesite-(la) form in?+

Dyrnaesite-(La) typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dyrnaesite-(la) used for?+

Dyrnaesite-(La) is used in collector.

Find dyrnaesite-(la) on the map

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