Nordite-(La) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found primarily within alkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif. Collectors typically look for small, tabular, colorless to pale yellow crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals in syenite complexes.
Is this nordite-(la)?
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 nordite-(la) with a known reference. Nordite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nordite-(La) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nordite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, elongated along the c-axis, often in radiated aggregates.
Often confused with
Nordite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 3.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Elongated Along The C-axis, Often in Radiated Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find nordite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nordite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, elongated along the c-axis, often in radiated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nordite-(la)?+
Where is nordite-(la) found?+
How much is nordite-(la) worth?+
What rocks look like nordite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with nordite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does nordite-(la) form in?+
What is nordite-(la) used for?+
Find nordite-(la) on the map
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