Ikranite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline massifs. It most commonly occurs as brownish-yellow rhombohedral crystals embedded within nepheline syenites and associated alkaline rocks.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Ikranite

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

Is this ikranite?

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 ikranite with a known reference. Ikranite 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. Ikranite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ikranite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

Ikranite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside ikranite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃₀Ca₆Fe₃Zr₃Si₂₆O₇₄(OH,H₂O,Cl)₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ikranite

Classic worldwide localities

Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where ikranite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ikranite?+

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

Where is ikranite found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is ikranite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ikranite?+

Ikranite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Alluaivite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ikranite?+

Ikranite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Nepheline, Aegirine, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ikranite form in?+

Ikranite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ikranite used for?+

Ikranite is used in collector.

Find ikranite on the map

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