Fluornatropyrochlore is a rare member of the pyrochlore group characterized by its sodium and fluorine dominance in the crystal structure. It typically forms sharp, lustrous octahedral crystals in alkaline igneous environments. Collectors should be aware of its inherent radioactivity due to common thorium and uranium substitution.
Is this fluornatropyrochlore?
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 fluornatropyrochlore with a known reference. Fluornatropyrochlore sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluornatropyrochlore leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluornatropyrochlore typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Fluornatropyrochlore vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluornatropyrochlore
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluornatropyrochlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,Ce)₂(Nb,Ti)₂O₆(F,OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.2-6.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fluornatropyrochlore
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Gardar Province, Greenland
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and carbonatites country — that is the host setting where fluornatropyrochlore typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, albite 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 fluornatropyrochlore?+
Where is fluornatropyrochlore found?+
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What rocks look like fluornatropyrochlore?+
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Find fluornatropyrochlore on the map
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