Ferri-leakeite is a rare sodium-rich amphibole found in highly alkaline, silica-undersaturated igneous environments. Collectors identify it by its characteristic dark blue to black prismatic habit in pegmatitic rock formations, often requiring chemical analysis for definitive distinction from other sodic amphiboles.
Is this ferri-leakeite?
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 ferri-leakeite with a known reference. Ferri-leakeite 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. Ferri-leakeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferri-leakeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark blue, dark green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Ferri-leakeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferri-leakeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferri-leakeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNa₂(Mg₂Fe³⁺₂Li)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.24 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferri-leakeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kvanefjeld, Greenland
- Norra Kärr, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where ferri-leakeite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferri-leakeite?+
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How much is ferri-leakeite worth?+
What rocks look like ferri-leakeite?+
What minerals are found with ferri-leakeite?+
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Find ferri-leakeite on the map
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