Zorite is a rare sodium titanium silicate mineral typically found in the alkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It is easily identified by its distinctive pink to reddish fibrous, radiating crystal sprays that often stand out against grey or white matrix rocks.
Is this zorite?
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 zorite with a known reference. Zorite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zorite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Zorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆Ti(Si,Al)₁₂O₃₄·11H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.18-2.22 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystals Forming Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks of Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks of pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zorite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zorite on the map
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