Nyerereite is a rare carbonate mineral famous for being a primary constituent of the unique natrocarbonatite lavas of the Oldoinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania. It typically occurs as small, glassy crystals or granular masses associated with gregoryite. It is extremely sensitive to moisture and will decompose rapidly if exposed to high humidity or water, requiring specialized storage conditions for collectors.
Is this nyerereite?
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 nyerereite with a known reference. Nyerereite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nyerereite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nyerereite 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, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Nyerereite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nyerereite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nyerereite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.54 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Natrocarbonatite Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and association
Where rockhounds find nyerereite
Classic worldwide localities
- Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania
Field-hunting tip
Look in natrocarbonatite volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where nyerereite typically forms. If you start seeing gregoryite, sylvite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nyerereite?+
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What rocks look like nyerereite?+
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Find nyerereite on the map
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