Wöhlerite is a rare sorosilicate mineral primarily found in alkaline igneous environments like nepheline syenite pegmatites. It is prized by collectors for its distinctive honey-yellow to orange tabular crystals, often occurring in complex alkaline massifs associated with rare zirconium minerals.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Wöhlerite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this wöhlerite?

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 wöhlerite with a known reference. Wöhlerite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wöhlerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wöhlerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, bladed.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wöhlerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂Zr(Si₂O₇)(F,O)₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Bladed
Cleavage: Distinct On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find wöhlerite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify wöhlerite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange, colorless.

Where is wöhlerite found?+

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

How much is wöhlerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like wöhlerite?+

Wöhlerite is most often confused with Rosenbuschite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wöhlerite?+

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

What kind of rock does wöhlerite form in?+

Wöhlerite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites, pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wöhlerite used for?+

Wöhlerite is used in collector.

Find wöhlerite on the map

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