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 — 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 — that is 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.