Nafertisite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral typically found in agpaitic alkaline pegmatites. It is best identified by its platy, micaceous habit and distinctive brownish coloration, usually appearing in association with other alkaline rock minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Nafertisite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this nafertisite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nafertisite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃(Fe²⁺,Mn,Ti)₇Si₈O₂₄(O,OH,F)₇·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.73 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Golden-brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nafertisite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify nafertisite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, golden-brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is nafertisite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is nafertisite 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 nafertisite?+

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

What minerals are found with nafertisite?+

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

What kind of rock does nafertisite form in?+

Nafertisite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nafertisite used for?+

Nafertisite is used in collector.

Find nafertisite on the map

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