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, 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.