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 — that is 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.