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 — that is 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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