Zirconolite is a rare accessory mineral typically found in silica-undersaturated igneous rocks like carbonatites and alkaline syenites. Collectors prize it for its high density and status as a primary mineral host for radioactive elements like thorium and uranium in geological systems.
Is this zirconolite?
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 zirconolite with a known reference. Zirconolite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zirconolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zirconolite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Zirconolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zirconolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zirconolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaZrTi₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 4.3-5.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Carbonatites, Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and radioactivity levels
Where rockhounds find zirconolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Campanian Province, Italy
- Kaiserstuhl, Germany
- Magnet Cove, USA
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatites, alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites country — that is the host setting where zirconolite typically forms. If you start seeing perovskite, baddeleyite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zirconolite?+
Where is zirconolite found?+
How much is zirconolite worth?+
Is zirconolite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zirconolite?+
What minerals are found with zirconolite?+
What kind of rock does zirconolite form in?+
What is zirconolite used for?+
Find zirconolite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
