Gjerdingenite-Na is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found as small, tabular to prismatic crystals in alkaline pegmatites. It is best identified by its association with rare-earth minerals in syenitic environments and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of complex silicate species.
Is this gjerdingenite-na?
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 gjerdingenite-na with a known reference. Gjerdingenite-Na sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gjerdingenite-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gjerdingenite-Na typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Gjerdingenite-Na vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Gjerdingenite-Na is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3-4); streak differs — Gjerdingenite-Na leaves white, Kupletskite leaves brown; luster reads vitreous on Gjerdingenite-Na and submetallic on Kupletskite.
How to tell apart: Gjerdingenite-Na is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3); streak differs — Gjerdingenite-Na leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Gjerdingenite-Na and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside gjerdingenite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with gjerdingenite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,H₂O)₄(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.85-2.90 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find gjerdingenite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Tvedalen, Larvik, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where gjerdingenite-na typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find gjerdingenite-na on the map
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