Jarlite is an extremely rare fluoride mineral primarily found within the cryolite deposits of Ivigtut, Greenland. Collectors look for its characteristic colorless to white tabular crystals or massive, granular aggregates associated with other rare fluoride species.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Jarlite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this jarlite?

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 jarlite with a known reference. Jarlite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jarlite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jarlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cryolite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Jarlite and vitreous to greasy on Cryolite.

How to tell apart: Jarlite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2).

Compare →

Often found alongside jarlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaSr₂MgAlF₁₁
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Cryolite Deposit in Granite Pegmatite
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find jarlite

Classic worldwide localities

Ivigtut, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in cryolite deposit in granite pegmatite country — that is the host setting where jarlite typically forms. If you start seeing cryolite, siderite, fluorite 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 jarlite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is jarlite found?+

Notable localities include Ivigtut, Greenland.

How much is jarlite worth?+

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

What rocks look like jarlite?+

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

What minerals are found with jarlite?+

Jarlite commonly co-occurs with Cryolite, Siderite, Fluorite, Thomsenolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jarlite form in?+

Jarlite typically forms in cryolite deposit in granite pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jarlite used for?+

Jarlite is used in collector.

Find jarlite on the map

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