Natrotitanite is a rare member of the titanite group, distinguished by the substitution of sodium for calcium within the crystal lattice. It typically occurs in alkaline igneous environments and is most easily identified by its wedge-shaped habit similar to standard titanite but found in specific geological settings like the Kola Peninsula.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTitanite Group family

Natrotitanite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this natrotitanite?

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 natrotitanite with a known reference. Natrotitanite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natrotitanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Natrotitanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: wedge-shaped crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Titanite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Natrotitanite and adamantine on Titanite.

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Often found alongside natrotitanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaNaTi(SiO₄)F
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Wedge-shaped Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find natrotitanite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Norway
Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where natrotitanite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a wedge-shaped crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify natrotitanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.

Where is natrotitanite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Norway; Canada.

How much is natrotitanite 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 natrotitanite?+

Natrotitanite is most often confused with Titanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with natrotitanite?+

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

What kind of rock does natrotitanite form in?+

Natrotitanite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is natrotitanite used for?+

Natrotitanite is used in collector.

Find natrotitanite on the map

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