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. Nabalamprophyllite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nabalamprophyllite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, bladed aggregates.
Often confused with
Nabalamprophyllite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Na₃(SrNa)Ti₃Si₄O₁₄(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.48 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Bladed Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find nabalamprophyllite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites country, the host setting where nabalamprophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, bladed aggregates habit, so 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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