Olgite is a very rare phosphate mineral found primarily in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals embedded within nepheline syenite complexes and is highly valued by specialized collectors of Russian minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGritsovite Group family

Olgite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this olgite?

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 olgite with a known reference. Olgite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Olgite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Olgite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Olgite leaves white, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Olgite and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.

Compare →

Often found alongside olgite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Sr,Na,Ba)PO₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find olgite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify olgite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is olgite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is olgite 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 olgite?+

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

What minerals are found with olgite?+

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

What kind of rock does olgite form in?+

Olgite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is olgite used for?+

Olgite is used in collector.

Find olgite on the map

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