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 — that is 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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