Nybøite is a rare sodium-rich amphibole mineral primarily found in alkaline igneous environments. Collectors identify it by its distinct blue to violet-blue color and its association with other alkali-rich silicate minerals in complex pegmatitic or metamorphic settings.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAmphibole Group family

Nybøite

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

Is this nybøite?

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 nybøite with a known reference. Nybøite 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. Nybøite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nybøite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green, violet-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nybøite leaves white, Riebeckite leaves blue-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nybøite leaves white, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.

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Often found alongside nybøite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaNa₂(Mg₃Al₂)Si₇AlO₂₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.2-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-green Violet-blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nybøite

Classic worldwide localities

Nybø, Nordfjord, Norway
Gjerdingen, Lunner, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where nybøite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, quartz, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nybøite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, blue-green, violet-blue.

Where is nybøite found?+

Notable localities include Nybø, Nordfjord, Norway; Gjerdingen, Lunner, Norway.

How much is nybøite 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 nybøite?+

Nybøite is most often confused with Glaucophane, Riebeckite, Arfvedsonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nybøite?+

Nybøite commonly co-occurs with Albite, Quartz, Aegirine, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nybøite form in?+

Nybøite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nybøite used for?+

Nybøite is used in collector.

Find nybøite on the map

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