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 — that is 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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