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.
Is this ferronordite-(la)?
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 ferronordite-(la) with a known reference. Ferronordite-(La) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale brownish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: spherical.
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
- Na₃SrLaFe²⁺Si₆O₁₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.54 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessPale brownish white
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Spherical
- Cleavage
- Perfect {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the ussingite core of hyperagpaitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find ferronordite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Bol’shoi Punkaruaiv, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the ussingite core of hyperagpaitic pegmatite. If you start seeing aegirine, epistolite, steenstrupine- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: spherical. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferronordite-(la)?+
Where is ferronordite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like ferronordite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with ferronordite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does ferronordite-(la) form in?+
What is ferronordite-(la) used for?+
Find ferronordite-(la) on the map
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