Natrosilite is an extremely rare sodium silicate mineral found primarily in complex alkaline igneous massifs. Collectors prize it for its rarity and crystal structure, though it is highly sensitive to moisture and can alter or dehydrate if not stored properly.
Is this natrosilite?
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 natrosilite with a known reference. Natrosilite 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. Natrosilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natrosilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Natrosilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natrosilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natrosilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Si₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find natrosilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where natrosilite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natrosilite?+
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How much is natrosilite worth?+
What rocks look like natrosilite?+
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Find natrosilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
