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

Semitransparent

mineralrareTychite Group family

Ferrotychite

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

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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, light yellow.
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: 2.79 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Light yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare constituent of a vein cutting ijolite-urtite in an alkaline igneous complex, from a drill core

Where rockhounds find ferrotychite

Classic worldwide localities

Olenii Ruchei (Reindeers Stream), Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare constituent of a vein cutting ijolite-urtite in an alkaline igneous complex, from a drill core. If you start seeing shortite, bonshtedtite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferrotychite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, light yellow.

Where is ferrotychite found?+

Notable localities include Olenii Ruchei (Reindeers Stream), Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality).

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 Shortite, Bonshtedtite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferrotychite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare constituent of a vein cutting ijolite-urtite in an alkaline igneous complex, from a drill core. 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.