Ellingsenite is a rare mineral belonging to the apophyllite group, typically occurring as thin platy crystals. It is primarily identified in vugs within nepheline syenite pegmatites in the Larvik region of Norway. Collectors value it for its limited occurrence and specific crystalline association with other zeolites and related silicates.
Is this ellingsenite?
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 ellingsenite with a known reference. Ellingsenite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ellingsenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ellingsenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Ellingsenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ellingsenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ellingsenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNaCa₆Si₁₀O₂₅(OH)·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ellingsenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Larvik Plutonic Complex, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ellingsenite typically forms. If you start seeing apophyllite, pectolite, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ellingsenite?+
Where is ellingsenite found?+
How much is ellingsenite worth?+
What rocks look like ellingsenite?+
What minerals are found with ellingsenite?+
What kind of rock does ellingsenite form in?+
What is ellingsenite used for?+
Find ellingsenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
