Jørgensenite is an exceptionally rare fluoride mineral discovered in the famous cryolite deposit of Ivigtut, Greenland. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with cryolite and chiolite, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification.
Is this jørgensenite?
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 jørgensenite with a known reference. Jørgensenite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jørgensenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Jørgensenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Jørgensenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside jørgensenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with jørgensenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Al₂F₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Cryolite Deposit in Granite Pegmatite
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find jørgensenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ivigtut, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in cryolite deposit in granite pegmatite country — that is the host setting where jørgensenite typically forms. If you start seeing cryolite, chiolite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find jørgensenite on the map
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