Puninite is an exceptionally rare silicate-phosphate mineral found in the alkaline rock complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small yellowish tabular crystals associated with other rare earth minerals in pegmatitic environments.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Puninite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this puninite?

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 puninite with a known reference. Puninite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Puninite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Puninite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eudialyte

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Eudialyte is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4).

Often found alongside puninite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ca₄(Fe³⁺,Mg)₃(Si₂O₇)(PO₄)₄O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular to Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find puninite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify puninite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is puninite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is puninite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like puninite?+

Puninite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Lamprophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with puninite?+

Puninite commonly co-occurs with nepheline, aegirine, titanite, pectolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does puninite form in?+

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

What is puninite used for?+

Puninite is used in collector.

Find puninite on the map

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