Raslakite is a rare mineral belonging to the eudialyte group, primarily identified in alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, equant crystals and is most easily distinguished from similar eudialyte-group minerals through precise chemical or X-ray diffraction analysis.

Hardness
5-6
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

Is this raslakite?

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 raslakite with a known reference. Raslakite 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. Raslakite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Raslakite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pink, colorless.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside raslakite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Na₁₅Ca₃Fe₃(Na,Zr,Fe)₃(Zr₃Si₂₄O₇₂)(OH,Cl)₂
Mohs hardness
5-6
Density
2.95-3.05 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Trigonal
Crystal habit
Equant to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Agpaitic Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find raslakite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify raslakite?+
Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, pink, colorless.
Where is raslakite found?+
Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.
How much is raslakite 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 raslakite?+
Raslakite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Kentbrooksite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with raslakite?+
Raslakite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Microcline, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does raslakite form in?+
Raslakite typically forms in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is raslakite used for?+
Raslakite is used in collector.

Find raslakite on the map

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