Nabalamprophyllite is a rare member of the lamprophyllite group, distinguished by its higher sodium content. Collectors can identify it by its characteristic tabular, bladed crystal habit and reddish-brown to yellow coloration within alkaline igneous complexes. It is primarily found in the highly specialized nepheline syenites of the Kola Peninsula in Russia.
Is this nabalamprophyllite?
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 nabalamprophyllite with a known reference. Nabalamprophyllite sits at Mohs 3, 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 to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Nabalamprophyllite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nabalamprophyllite leaves white, Lamprophyllite leaves pale yellow, may have an orange tint; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Nabalamprophyllite and submetallic on cleavages on Lamprophyllite.
How to tell apart: Bafertisite is the harder of the two (Mohs ~5 vs. 3).
Often found alongside nabalamprophyllite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nabalamprophyllite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (BaNa)Ti₂Na₃Ti(Si₂O₇)₂O₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.58 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- Found in a peralkaline pegmatite. (lamprophyllite group; structure)
Where rockhounds find nabalamprophyllite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Found in a peralkaline pegmatite. (lamprophyllite group; structure). If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nabalamprophyllite on the map
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