Omphacite is a sodic-calcic pyroxene that serves as a defining mineral of eclogite, a high-pressure metamorphic rock. Collectors typically look for it as dark green, dense massive grains or subhedral crystals embedded in garnet-rich eclogite matrices.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonPyroxene Group family

Omphacite

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

Is this omphacite?

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 omphacite with a known reference. Omphacite 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. Omphacite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Omphacite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, dark green, blackish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, or prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Omphacite and vitreous to pearly on Jadeite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Omphacite leaves white, Aegirine leaves yellowish-grey.

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Often found alongside omphacite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe²⁺,Al,Fe³⁺)Si₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.29-3.43 g/cm³
Colors: Green Dark Green Blackish-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Or Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good Prismatic Cleavage
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Geological Indicator
Host rock: Eclogite
Typical price: $10-50 thumbnail, $50-200 cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find omphacite

Classic worldwide localities

Norway
Germany
Italy
USA
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in eclogite country, the host setting where omphacite typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, kyanite, glaucophane in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, or prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify omphacite?+

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

Where is omphacite found?+

Notable localities include Norway; Germany; Italy; USA; Russia.

How much is omphacite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 thumbnail, $50-200 cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like omphacite?+

Omphacite is most often confused with Diopside, Jadeite, Aegirine. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with omphacite?+

Omphacite commonly co-occurs with Garnet, Kyanite, Glaucophane, Lawsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does omphacite form in?+

Omphacite typically forms in eclogite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is omphacite used for?+

Omphacite is used in collector, geological indicator.

Find omphacite on the map

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