Saamite is a rare strontium-dominant member of the apatite group, primarily discovered in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. Collectors typically look for it as granular or massive aggregates within nepheline syenite complexes where it replaces or accompanies standard calcium-rich apatite.
Is this saamite?
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 saamite with a known reference. Saamite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Saamite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Saamite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, light gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular, massive, rare prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Saamite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside saamite
Minerals reported to co-occur with saamite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₅(PO₄)₃(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Rare Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find saamite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Vuoriyarvi, Karelia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where saamite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, rare prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find saamite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
