Nabesite is a very rare sodium beryllium silicate mineral found primarily within the hyper-alkaline rocks of the Ilímaussaq complex. It typically occurs as small, transparent tabular crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from other beryllium-bearing zeolites without chemical analysis.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Nabesite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this nabesite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Nabesite and pearly on Epididymite.

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Often found alongside nabesite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂BeSi₄O₁₀·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 2.21 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nabesite

Classic worldwide localities

Ilímaussaq complex, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where nabesite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, analcime, chkalovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nabesite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is nabesite found?+

Notable localities include Ilímaussaq complex, Greenland.

How much is nabesite 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 nabesite?+

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

What minerals are found with nabesite?+

Nabesite commonly co-occurs with Sodalite, Analcime, Chkalovite, Steenstrupine-(Ce). Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nabesite form in?+

Nabesite typically forms in agpaitic nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nabesite used for?+

Nabesite is used in collector.

Find nabesite on the map

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