Emeleusite is an exceptionally rare sodium-lithium-iron silicate mineral found primarily in hyper-alkaline igneous rocks. It typically forms small, pale, tabular crystals in syenite pegmatites, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification. It is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare-earth or alkaline igneous minerals.
Is this emeleusite?
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 emeleusite with a known reference. Emeleusite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Emeleusite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Emeleusite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pink, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Emeleusite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside emeleusite
Minerals reported to co-occur with emeleusite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂LiFe³⁺Si₆O₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.62 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find emeleusite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where emeleusite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, arfvedsonite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find emeleusite on the map
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