Nordite-(La) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found primarily within alkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif. Collectors typically look for small, tabular, light brown crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals in syenite complexes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous, greasy on fracture

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrareNordite Group family

Nordite-(La)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous, greasy on fracture
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

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Is this nordite-(la)?

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 nordite-(la) with a known reference. Nordite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, greasy on fracture.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light brown, dark brown, blackish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, metamict, tabular.

Often confused with

Nordite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nordite-(La) leaves white, Nordite-(Ce) leaves light brown.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous, greasy on fracture on Nordite-(La) and pearly on cleavages, vitreous on fractures on Epididymite.

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Often found alongside nordite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃SrLaZnSi₆O₁₇
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.43-3.48 g/cm³
Colors: Light brown Dark brown Blackish brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous, greasy on fracture
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, metamict, tabular
Cleavage: Good on {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Extremely rare in pegmatites in sodalite syenite in a differentiated alkalic massif

Where rockhounds find nordite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Near the Chinglusuai River, Lovozero Massif, Kola Pininuula, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Extremely rare in pegmatites in sodalite syenite in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing sodalite, ussingite, murmanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: fibrous, metamict, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nordite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous, greasy on fracture. The streak is white. Common colors include light brown, dark brown, blackish brown.

Where is nordite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Near the Chinglusuai River, Lovozero Massif, Kola Pininuula, Russia (type locality).

Is nordite-(la) safe to handle?+

Nordite-(La) contains trace uranium or thorium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like nordite-(la)?+

Nordite-(La) is most often confused with Nordite-(Ce), Epididymite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nordite-(la)?+

Nordite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Sodalite, Ussingite, Murmanite, Chkalovite, Belovite, Steenstrupine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nordite-(la) form in?+

Where it forms: Extremely rare in pegmatites in sodalite syenite in a differentiated alkalic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nordite-(la) used for?+

Nordite-(La) is used in collector.

Find nordite-(la) on the map

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