Eirikite is a very rare member of the beryl group, first discovered in the alkaline pegmatites of Greenland. Collectors typically find it as small, clear, hexagonal prisms associated with other rare alkaline minerals in syenite complexes.
Is this eirikite?
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 eirikite with a known reference. Eirikite sits at Mohs 7.5-8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eirikite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eirikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Eirikite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eirikite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 5.5-6).
How to tell apart: Eirikite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 5.5); luster reads vitreous on Eirikite and pearly on Epididymite.
Often found alongside eirikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eirikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNaBe₂Si₆O₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5-8
- Density
- 2.65-2.70 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find eirikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Narssârssuk pegmatite, Greenland
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where eirikite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify eirikite?+
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How much is eirikite worth?+
What rocks look like eirikite?+
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Find eirikite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
