Normandite is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the Wöhlerite group, typically found in alkaline igneous rocks like nepheline syenites. It appears as small, prismatic, yellowish-brown crystals often associated with complex suite of rare-earth and alkali minerals in pegmatite cavities.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareWöhlerite Group family

Normandite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this normandite?

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 normandite with a known reference. Normandite 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. Normandite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Normandite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside normandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa(Mn,Fe)(Ti,Zr,Nb)Si₂O₇(O,OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.46 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find normandite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where normandite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify normandite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is normandite found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is normandite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like normandite?+

Normandite is most often confused with Wöhlerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with normandite?+

Normandite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Nepheline, Eudialyte, Serandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does normandite form in?+

Normandite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is normandite used for?+

Normandite is used in collector.

Find normandite on the map

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