Wadeite is a rare zirconium silicate mineral primarily found in silica-undersaturated alkaline rocks. It is highly prized by collectors for its distinct hexagonal crystal habit and its characteristic bright blue fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Wadeite

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

Is this wadeite?

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 wadeite with a known reference. Wadeite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wadeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wadeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic or tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wadeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂ZrSi₃O₉
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.19 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic or Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor On Basal Pinacoid
Fluorescence: Bright Blue Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks and Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find wadeite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Murun Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites country, the host setting where wadeite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic or tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wadeite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale pink, pale blue.

Where is wadeite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Murun Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland.

How much is wadeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like wadeite?+

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

What minerals are found with wadeite?+

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

What kind of rock does wadeite form in?+

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

What is wadeite used for?+

Wadeite is used in collector.

Find wadeite on the map

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