Tisinalite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline pegmatites. It is visually similar to other eudialyte-group minerals and usually requires analytical methods for definitive identification, appearing as small, distinct yellow to brownish crystals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Tisinalite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this tisinalite?

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 tisinalite with a known reference. Tisinalite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tisinalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tisinalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Tisinalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside tisinalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₆(Mn,□)₃(Fe,Mn)ZrSi₁₂O₃₀(OH,O)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Equant to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tisinalite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes country, the host setting where tisinalite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, lomonosovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tisinalite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is tisinalite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is tisinalite 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 tisinalite?+

Tisinalite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Kentbrooksite, Zirsinalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tisinalite?+

Tisinalite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Lomonosovite, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tisinalite form in?+

Tisinalite typically forms in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tisinalite used for?+

Tisinalite is used in collector.

Find tisinalite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.