Umbite is a rare potassium zirconium silicate mineral primarily found in the hyperalkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless prismatic crystals or radiating clusters within pegmatitic cavities, often associated with other exotic zirconium-bearing silicates.
Is this umbite?
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 umbite with a known reference. Umbite 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. Umbite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Umbite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Umbite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside umbite
Minerals reported to co-occur with umbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂ZrSi₃O₉·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.56 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find umbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif (Russia)
- Lovozero Massif (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where umbite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find umbite on the map
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