Naujakasite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral primarily found in the complex igneous rocks of Greenland's Ilimaussaq complex. It is characterized by its silvery-white, pearly, platy appearance that strongly resembles mica, often occurring as lamellar masses within pegmatitic dikes.
Is this naujakasite?
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 naujakasite with a known reference. Naujakasite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Naujakasite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Naujakasite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silvery white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: lamellar to platy masses.
Often confused with
Naujakasite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside naujakasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with naujakasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆(Fe,Mn)Al₄Si₈O₂₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.61 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar to Platy Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on matrix
Where rockhounds find naujakasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic nepheline syenites country, the host setting where naujakasite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar to platy masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find naujakasite on the map
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