Sazhinite-(La) is a rare lanthanum-dominant silicate mineral found in hyper-alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms thin, tabular crystals or radiating sprays within pegmatitic cavities in nepheline syenites. It is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its status as a rare earth element-bearing species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sazhinite-(La)

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

Is this sazhinite-(la)?

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 sazhinite-(la) with a known reference. Sazhinite-(La) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sazhinite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sazhinite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

Sazhinite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Apophyllite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3.5); luster reads vitreous on Sazhinite-(La) and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

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Often found alongside sazhinite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃LaSi₆O₁₅·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Good On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find sazhinite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where sazhinite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sazhinite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale pink.

Where is sazhinite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mount Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is sazhinite-(la) 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 sazhinite-(la)?+

Sazhinite-(La) is most often confused with Sazhinite-(Ce), Apophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with sazhinite-(la)?+

Sazhinite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Eudialyte, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sazhinite-(la) form in?+

Sazhinite-(La) typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sazhinite-(la) used for?+

Sazhinite-(La) is used in collector.

Find sazhinite-(la) on the map

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