Ilirneyite is a very rare sodium tungsten mineral discovered in the Ilirney range of the Chukotka region. It typically forms small, pale yellow tabular crystals found in association with quartz and fluorite in hydrothermal vein systems.
Is this ilirneyite?
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 ilirneyite with a known reference. Ilirneyite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ilirneyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ilirneyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Ilirneyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Scheelite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3-3.5).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ilirneyite leaves white, Wolframite leaves dark brown to black; luster reads vitreous on Ilirneyite and submetallic to metallic on Wolframite.
Often found alongside ilirneyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ilirneyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(W,Fe)₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ilirneyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilirney Range (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where ilirneyite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ilirneyite on the map
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