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 — that is 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
How do you identify taseqite?+
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How much is taseqite worth?+
What rocks look like taseqite?+
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Find taseqite on the map
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