Fluoro-edenite is a rare member of the amphibole group characterized by its sodium and fluorine-rich chemistry. It typically occurs as elongated prismatic or fibrous crystals in altered skarn environments and is notable for its historical association with health hazards in volcanic areas like Sicily.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAmphibole Group family

Fluoro-edenite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this fluoro-edenite?

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 fluoro-edenite with a known reference. Fluoro-edenite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluoro-edenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fluoro-edenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, pale green, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, fibrous, or acicular.

Often confused with

Fluoro-edenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Fluoro-edenite and vitreous to silky on Actinolite.

Often found alongside fluoro-edenite

Minerals reported to co-occur with fluoro-edenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂Mg₅(Si₇Al)O₂₂F₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Pale Green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, Fibrous, Or Acicular
Cleavage: Perfect Prismatic
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Skarns and Altered Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find fluoro-edenite

Classic worldwide localities

Biancavilla, Sicily, Italy
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Various skarn deposits

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic skarns and altered volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where fluoro-edenite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, fibrous, or acicular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fluoro-edenite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, pale green, brown.

Where is fluoro-edenite found?+

Notable localities include Biancavilla, Sicily, Italy; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Various skarn deposits.

How much is fluoro-edenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fluoro-edenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. As an asbestiform mineral, it poses serious health risks if inhaled; handle with extreme caution and use appropriate PPE if fiber release is possible. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fluoro-edenite?+

Fluoro-edenite is most often confused with Tremolite, Actinolite, Edenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fluoro-edenite?+

Fluoro-edenite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fluoro-edenite form in?+

Fluoro-edenite typically forms in metamorphic skarns and altered volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fluoro-edenite used for?+

Fluoro-edenite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find fluoro-edenite on the map

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