Kyanoxalite is a rare member of the cancrinite group typically found in highly evolved alkaline pegmatites. It usually forms as small, clear, prismatic crystals and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare silicates.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Kyanoxalite

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

No image

Is this kyanoxalite?

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 kyanoxalite with a known reference. Kyanoxalite 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. Kyanoxalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kyanoxalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kyanoxalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂₅Ca₄(Si₂₄Al₂₄O₉₆)(CO₃)₆(SO₄)F₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Massifs
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kyanoxalite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify kyanoxalite?+

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

Where is kyanoxalite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is kyanoxalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kyanoxalite?+

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

What minerals are found with kyanoxalite?+

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

What kind of rock does kyanoxalite form in?+

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

What is kyanoxalite used for?+

Kyanoxalite is used in collector.

Find kyanoxalite on the map

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