Fluorlamprophyllite is a rare member of the lamprophyllite group found in alkaline complexes. It typically appears as thin, brown, blade-like or needle-like crystals embedded within nepheline syenite matrices. Collectors value it for its sharp, distinct crystal form despite its rarity.
Is this fluorlamprophyllite?
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 fluorlamprophyllite with a known reference. Fluorlamprophyllite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorlamprophyllite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorlamprophyllite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown, golden-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, bladed aggregates.
Often confused with
Fluorlamprophyllite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluorlamprophyllite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorlamprophyllite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₃NaTi₃Si₄O₁₄(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.48 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Bladed Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fluorlamprophyllite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif (Russia)
- Lovozero Massif (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where fluorlamprophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, bladed aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorlamprophyllite?+
Where is fluorlamprophyllite found?+
How much is fluorlamprophyllite worth?+
What rocks look like fluorlamprophyllite?+
What minerals are found with fluorlamprophyllite?+
What kind of rock does fluorlamprophyllite form in?+
What is fluorlamprophyllite used for?+
Find fluorlamprophyllite on the map
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