Ertixiite is an extremely rare sodium silicate mineral known almost exclusively from its type locality at the Koktokay pegmatite in China. It typically occurs as small, clear, equant crystals associated with lithium-bearing pegmatite minerals. Due to its extreme rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this ertixiite?
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 ertixiite with a known reference. Ertixiite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ertixiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ertixiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: equant to short prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Ertixiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ertixiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ertixiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Si₄O₉
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Short Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find ertixiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Koktokay Mine, Altay Prefecture, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ertixiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to short prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ertixiite?+
Where is ertixiite found?+
How much is ertixiite worth?+
What rocks look like ertixiite?+
What minerals are found with ertixiite?+
What kind of rock does ertixiite form in?+
What is ertixiite used for?+
Find ertixiite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
