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 — that is 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.