Elpasolite is a rare halide mineral primarily found in alkaline pegmatites and cryolite-rich environments. It typically appears as colorless or white masses, and while it is chemically related to other fluorides, its distinct cubic structure helps differentiate it from minerals like cryolite.
Is this elpasolite?
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 elpasolite with a known reference. Elpasolite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Elpasolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Elpasolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or rarely as small cubes.
Often confused with
Elpasolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Elpasolite and vitreous to greasy on Cryolite.
How to tell apart: Chiolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5).
How to tell apart: Fluorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5).
Often found alongside elpasolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with elpasolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂NaAlF₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Rarely as Small Cubes
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Cryolite-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find elpasolite
Classic worldwide localities
- St. Peters Dome, Colorado, USA
- Ivigtut, Greenland
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and cryolite-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where elpasolite typically forms. If you start seeing cryolite, chiolite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or rarely as small cubes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find elpasolite on the map
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