Sogdianite is a rare cyclosilicate belonging to the milarite group, typically found as small, vibrant violet-to-purple prismatic crystals. It is most famous from the Dara-i-Pioz area in Tajikistan and certain manganese deposits in South Africa. Collectors value it for its intense color and its unique relationship with other rare alkaline pegmatite minerals.
Is this sogdianite?
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 sogdianite with a known reference. Sogdianite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sogdianite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sogdianite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: violet, purple, blue, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Sogdianite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sogdianite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sogdianite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KZr₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find sogdianite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
- Wessels Mine, South Africa
- Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where sogdianite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, aegirine, microcline 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
How do you identify sogdianite?+
Where is sogdianite found?+
How much is sogdianite worth?+
What rocks look like sogdianite?+
What minerals are found with sogdianite?+
What kind of rock does sogdianite form in?+
What is sogdianite used for?+
Find sogdianite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
