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 — Nybøite leaves white, Riebeckite leaves blue-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.