Ferri-pedrizite is a rare sodium-lithium rich amphibole typically found in specialized pegmatitic environments. Collectors often identify it by its dark, prismatic habit, though positive identification usually requires chemical analysis due to its similarity to other members of the amphibole group.
Is this ferri-pedrizite?
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-pedrizite with a known reference. Ferri-pedrizite 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-pedrizite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferri-pedrizite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown, dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Ferri-pedrizite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferri-pedrizite leaves white, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferri-pedrizite leaves white, Riebeckite leaves blue-gray.
Often found alongside ferri-pedrizite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferri-pedrizite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNa₂(LiMg₂Fe³⁺₂Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.1-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferri-pedrizite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pedriza Massif, Spain
- Siberia, Russia
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferri-pedrizite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, microcline 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-pedrizite?+
Where is ferri-pedrizite found?+
How much is ferri-pedrizite worth?+
What rocks look like ferri-pedrizite?+
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Find ferri-pedrizite on the map
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