Zirsinalite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous massifs in the Kola Peninsula. It typically appears as yellow to brownish-pink grains or small tabular crystals and is notably associated with complex nepheline syenite assemblages.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Zirsinalite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this zirsinalite?

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 zirsinalite with a known reference. Zirsinalite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zirsinalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zirsinalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside zirsinalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₆(Ca,Mn,Fe)₂ZrSi₆O₁₈(OH,F,Cl)₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zirsinalite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify zirsinalite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, pink.

Where is zirsinalite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is zirsinalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zirsinalite?+

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

What minerals are found with zirsinalite?+

Zirsinalite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Kalsilite, Lamprophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zirsinalite form in?+

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

What is zirsinalite used for?+

Zirsinalite is used in collector.

Find zirsinalite on the map

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