Odigitriaite is an extremely rare member of the tugtupite group found primarily in the agpaitic rocks of the Khibiny Massif. It appears as small, transparent crystals often associated with other rare alkaline pegmatite minerals. Due to its scarcity and limited localities, it is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare borosilicates and beryllium minerals.
Is this odigitriaite?
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 odigitriaite with a known reference. Odigitriaite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Odigitriaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Odigitriaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant crystals.
Often confused with
Odigitriaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside odigitriaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with odigitriaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₈(Si₆Be₆O₂₄)Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.36 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500+ micro to thumbnail
Where rockhounds find odigitriaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where odigitriaite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify odigitriaite?+
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How much is odigitriaite worth?+
What rocks look like odigitriaite?+
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Find odigitriaite on the map
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