Natalyite is a rare sodium vanadium pyroxene characterized by its distinct, vivid emerald-green color due to vanadium substitution. It is primarily found as microscopic inclusions or small, anhedral grains within highly metamorphosed rocks, specifically in the Polar Urals region of Russia. Due to its scarcity, it is considered a highly specialized specimen for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this natalyite?
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 natalyite with a known reference. Natalyite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natalyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natalyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: emerald-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Natalyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natalyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natalyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaVSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.39-3.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find natalyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Polar Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where natalyite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find natalyite on the map
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