Ferro-richterite is a rare member of the amphibole supergroup characterized by high iron content and an elongated prismatic habit. Collectors prize this mineral for its distinct, often dark-toned, elongate crystals typically found in alkaline environments and contact metamorphic zones.
Is this ferro-richterite?
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-richterite with a known reference. Ferro-richterite 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-richterite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferro-richterite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown, greenish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous.
Often confused with
Ferro-richterite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferro-richterite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferro-richterite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(NaCa)Fe²⁺₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites, Skarns
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find ferro-richterite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Langban, Sweden
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites, skarns country — that is the host setting where ferro-richterite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferro-richterite?+
Where is ferro-richterite found?+
How much is ferro-richterite worth?+
What rocks look like ferro-richterite?+
What minerals are found with ferro-richterite?+
What kind of rock does ferro-richterite form in?+
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Find ferro-richterite on the map
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