Eckermannite is a relatively rare sodium-rich amphibole found in alkaline igneous environments. Collectors look for its characteristic blue to blue-green elongated prismatic crystals, which often form in complex assemblages with other alkaline minerals.
Is this eckermannite?
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 eckermannite with a known reference. Eckermannite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eckermannite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eckermannite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green, green, gray-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, acicular, fibrous.
Often confused with
Eckermannite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside eckermannite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eckermannite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNa₂(Mg₄Al)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Acicular, Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find eckermannite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Canada
- USA
- Russia
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where eckermannite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, albite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, acicular, fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find eckermannite on the map
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