Imandrite is a rare member of the eudialyte group primarily found in the agpaitic rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It is typically identified by its trigonal crystal structure and association with other rare alkaline minerals, often requiring geochemical testing to distinguish it from other eudialyte-group members.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Imandrite

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

No image

Is this imandrite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside imandrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₂Ca₆(Fe,Mn)₃Zr₃Si₂₅O₇₃(O,OH,H₂O)₅Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brown Pink Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find imandrite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify imandrite?+

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

Where is imandrite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is imandrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on size and crystal quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is imandrite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains minor amounts of radioactive elements like thorium and rare earth elements; handle with care and wash hands after handling specimen. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like imandrite?+

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

What minerals are found with imandrite?+

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

What kind of rock does imandrite form in?+

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

What is imandrite used for?+

Imandrite is used in collector.

Find imandrite on the map

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