Polyphite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors look for its distinctive tabular crystals often embedded in syenite pegmatites found primarily in the Kola Peninsula of Russia.
Is this polyphite?
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 polyphite with a known reference. Polyphite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Polyphite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Polyphite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Polyphite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside polyphite
Minerals reported to co-occur with polyphite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄(Ca,Mn,Fe)₂(Ti,Zr)Si₂O₈(F,OH,Cl)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.85-2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and clarity
Where rockhounds find polyphite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite country — that is the host setting where polyphite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, 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 polyphite?+
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Find polyphite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
