Ferro-pedrizite is a very rare member of the amphibole group, specifically within the sodium-rich subgroup. It is typically found as dark, prismatic crystals in highly evolved pegmatites and is prized primarily by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this ferro-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 ferro-pedrizite with a known reference. Ferro-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. Ferro-pedrizite leaves a white to pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferro-pedrizite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Ferro-pedrizite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-pedrizite leaves white to pale green, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-pedrizite leaves white to pale green, Glaucophane leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-pedrizite leaves white to pale green, Riebeckite leaves blue-gray.
Often found alongside ferro-pedrizite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferro-pedrizite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Na₂)(Fe²⁺₄Al)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferro-pedrizite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pedra Lavrada, Brazil
- Sweden
- Finland
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferro-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 ferro-pedrizite?+
Where is ferro-pedrizite found?+
How much is ferro-pedrizite worth?+
What rocks look like ferro-pedrizite?+
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What kind of rock does ferro-pedrizite form in?+
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Find ferro-pedrizite on the map
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