Håleniusite-(La) is an extremely rare lanthanum-dominant fluoride mineral belonging to the fluorite group. It typically occurs as minute octahedral crystals within alkaline pegmatite environments, often requiring micro-analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareFluorite Group family

Håleniusite-(La)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this håleniusite-(la)?

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 håleniusite-(la) with a known reference. Håleniusite-(La) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Håleniusite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Håleniusite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: small octahedra.

Often confused with

Håleniusite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside håleniusite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: LaF₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Small Octahedra
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $200-1000+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find håleniusite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Narssârssuk, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where håleniusite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing khibinskite, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small octahedra habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify håleniusite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, colorless.

Where is håleniusite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Narssârssuk, Greenland.

How much is håleniusite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like håleniusite-(la)?+

Håleniusite-(La) is most often confused with Fluorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with håleniusite-(la)?+

Håleniusite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Khibinskite, Aegirine, Nepheline, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does håleniusite-(la) form in?+

Håleniusite-(La) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is håleniusite-(la) used for?+

Håleniusite-(La) is used in collector.

Find håleniusite-(la) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.