Ferrotychite is a rare member of the Tychite group, characterized by its isometric, octahedral crystals. It is primarily found in alkaline igneous environments and is notably associated with its magnesium-dominant analogue, Tychite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTychite Group family

Ferrotychite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ferrotychite?

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 ferrotychite with a known reference. Ferrotychite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrotychite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrotychite 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: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Ferrotychite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside ferrotychite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₆Fe₂(SO₄)(CO₃)₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 2.63 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Massifs
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ferrotychite

Classic worldwide localities

Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous massifs country — that is the host setting where ferrotychite typically forms. If you start seeing tychite, natrite, villiaumite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferrotychite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is ferrotychite found?+

Notable localities include Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is ferrotychite worth?+

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

What rocks look like ferrotychite?+

Ferrotychite is most often confused with Tychite, Northupite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferrotychite?+

Ferrotychite commonly co-occurs with Tychite, Natrite, Villiaumite, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferrotychite form in?+

Ferrotychite typically forms in alkaline igneous massifs. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferrotychite used for?+

Ferrotychite is used in collector.

Find ferrotychite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.