Rosenbuschite is a rare sodium-calcium zirconium silicate typically found as orange to yellow prismatic or acicular crystals. It is most famous for its occurrences in the alkaline igneous complexes of Norway and the Kola Peninsula, often embedded in pegmatite matrices alongside other exotic minerals.
Is this rosenbuschite?
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 rosenbuschite with a known reference. Rosenbuschite 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. Rosenbuschite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rosenbuschite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular or radiating aggregates, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Rosenbuschite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rosenbuschite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rosenbuschite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na)₃(Zr,Ti)Si₂O₈(F,O)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Radiating Aggregates, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find rosenbuschite
Classic worldwide localities
- Langesundsfjord, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where rosenbuschite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or radiating aggregates, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find rosenbuschite on the map
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