Götzenite is a complex calcium titanium silicate found in rare alkaline intrusive rocks. Collectors typically seek it in the form of small, acicular or prismatic crystals associated with other rare-earth minerals in nepheline syenites.
Is this götzenite?
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 götzenite with a known reference. Götzenite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Götzenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Götzenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, colorless, white, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Götzenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside götzenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with götzenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₆Ti(Si₂O₇)₂F₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find götzenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount St. Hilaire (Canada)
- Gardar Province (Greenland)
- Khibiny Massif (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites country — that is the host setting where götzenite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify götzenite?+
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How much is götzenite worth?+
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Find götzenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
