Ferronordite-(La) is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the nordite group, characterized by its distinct tabular habit and rare-earth element composition. It is primarily found in highly alkaline igneous environments, often occurring as inclusions or small crystals within nepheline syenites and pegmatites. Collectors generally seek these out as micro-minerals from famous alkaline localities like Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareNordite Group family

Ferronordite-(La)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this ferronordite-(la)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch ferronordite-(la) with a known reference. Ferronordite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferronordite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferronordite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, massive.

Often confused with

Ferronordite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside ferronordite-(la)

Minerals reported to co-occur with ferronordite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃SrCeFeSi₆O₁₇
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and clarity

Where rockhounds find ferronordite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferronordite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferronordite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is ferronordite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is ferronordite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ferronordite-(la)?+

Ferronordite-(La) is most often confused with Nordite-(Ce), Nordite-(La). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferronordite-(la)?+

Ferronordite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Nepheline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferronordite-(la) form in?+

Ferronordite-(La) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferronordite-(la) used for?+

Ferronordite-(La) is used in collector.

Find ferronordite-(la) on the map

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