Ussingite is a rare sodium aluminosilicate mineral known primarily for its distinct violet to lavender coloration. It is most often found in alkaline igneous complexes, occurring as massive veins or granular aggregates that fluoresce strikingly under short-wave UV light.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Ussingite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ussingite?

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 ussingite with a known reference. Ussingite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ussingite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ussingite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: violet, pink, lavender, colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or rarely as platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Ussingite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6-7 vs. 2-2.5).

How to tell apart: Ussingite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6-7 vs. 4.5-5).

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Often found alongside ussingite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂AlSi₃O₈(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 2.56 g/cm³
Colors: Violet Pink Lavender Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Rarely as Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Orange Under UV Light
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Study
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on size and intensity of color

Where rockhounds find ussingite

Classic worldwide localities

Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ussingite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, eudialyte, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or rarely as platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ussingite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include violet, pink, lavender, colorless.

Where is ussingite found?+

Notable localities include Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is ussingite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on size and intensity of color. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ussingite?+

Ussingite is most often confused with Sodalite, Villiaumite, Serandite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ussingite?+

Ussingite commonly co-occurs with Sodalite, Eudialyte, Aegirine, Microcline, Chkalovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ussingite form in?+

Ussingite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ussingite used for?+

Ussingite is used in collector, mineralogical study.

Find ussingite on the map

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