Sacrofanite is a rare member of the cancrinite group, occurring primarily in volcanic ejecta found within the Roman volcanic province. It typically forms small, prismatic crystals with a vitreous luster, often found associated with minerals like calcite and sanidine in cavity linings. Because it is highly specific to a single geologic province, specimens are highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this sacrofanite?
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 sacrofanite with a known reference. Sacrofanite 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. Sacrofanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sacrofanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Sacrofanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sacrofanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sacrofanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₁₅(Si,Al)₂₄O₄₈(SO₄,CO₃,Cl,OH)₃·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.35-2.40 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Ejecta and Tuffs
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sacrofanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sacrofano, Italy
- Vico Volcano, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic ejecta and tuffs country, the host setting where sacrofanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, sanidine, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sacrofanite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
