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.
Is this imandrite?
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 imandrite with a known reference. Imandrite sits at Mohs ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: honey yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
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
- Na₁₂Ca₃Fe₂Si₁₂O₃₆
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 2.93 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In apatite-bearing alkalic pegmatitic rocks in a differentiated alkalic massif
Where rockhounds find imandrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny massif, near Lake Imandra, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In apatite-bearing alkalic pegmatitic rocks in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, orthoclase in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify imandrite?+
Where is imandrite found?+
Is imandrite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like imandrite?+
What minerals are found with imandrite?+
What kind of rock does imandrite form in?+
What is imandrite used for?+
Find imandrite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
