Taseqite is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral known almost exclusively from the hyper-agpaitic rocks of the Ilimaussaq complex in Greenland. It typically forms as small, distinctive yellow-to-orange crystals in association with other rare alkaline pegmatite minerals. Due to its extreme rarity, it is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of pegmatite species.
Is this taseqite?
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 taseqite with a known reference. Taseqite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Taseqite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Taseqite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Taseqite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside taseqite
Minerals reported to co-occur with taseqite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₂Sr₃Ca₆Fe³⁺₃Zr₃Nb₃Si₁₂O₄₈(OH,F)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find taseqite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where taseqite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is taseqite worth?+
What rocks look like taseqite?+
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Find taseqite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
