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, 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.