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 — that is 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.