Eltyubyuite is a rare member of the sodalite group discovered in the Chegem caldera of Russia. It typically forms small, colorless to white dodecahedral crystals within calc-silicate xenoliths, requiring microscopic examination for positive identification.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareSodalite Group family

Eltyubyuite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this eltyubyuite?

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 eltyubyuite with a known reference. Eltyubyuite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eltyubyuite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Eltyubyuite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Eltyubyuite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eltyubyuite leaves white, Lazurite leaves light blue.

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Often found alongside eltyubyuite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₁₂Cl₄(Si₂₄O₄₈)O₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarns in Xenoliths
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find eltyubyuite

Classic worldwide localities

Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarns in xenoliths country, the host setting where eltyubyuite typically forms. If you start seeing lakargiite, wadalite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify eltyubyuite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is eltyubyuite found?+

Notable localities include Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia.

How much is eltyubyuite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like eltyubyuite?+

Eltyubyuite is most often confused with Sodalite, Hauyne, Lazurite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with eltyubyuite?+

Eltyubyuite commonly co-occurs with Lakargiite, Wadalite, Fluorite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does eltyubyuite form in?+

Eltyubyuite typically forms in skarns in xenoliths. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is eltyubyuite used for?+

Eltyubyuite is used in collector.

Find eltyubyuite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.