Nordgauite is an extremely rare aluminum fluorosilicate mineral discovered in granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, clear, tabular crystals and is noted for its distinctive chemical composition involving both fluorine and silica. Due to its scarcity, it is sought after primarily by advanced mineral collectors and those interested in rare pegmatite species.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Nordgauite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this nordgauite?

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 nordgauite with a known reference. Nordgauite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nordgauite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nordgauite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Topaz

Mohs 8

How to tell apart: Topaz is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 3-4).

Often found alongside nordgauite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₂F₂SiO₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.36 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granitic Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nordgauite

Classic worldwide localities

Hagenberg, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nordgauite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, kaolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nordgauite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is nordgauite found?+

Notable localities include Hagenberg, Germany.

How much is nordgauite 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 nordgauite?+

Nordgauite is most often confused with Topaz, Villiaumite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nordgauite?+

Nordgauite commonly co-occurs with Fluorite, Quartz, Kaolinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nordgauite form in?+

Nordgauite typically forms in granitic pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nordgauite used for?+

Nordgauite is used in collector.

Find nordgauite on the map

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