Ikranite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline massifs. It most commonly occurs as brownish-yellow rhombohedral crystals embedded within nepheline syenites and associated alkaline rocks.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Ikranite

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

Is this ikranite?

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 ikranite with a known reference. Ikranite 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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brownish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ikranite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,H₃O)₁₅(Ca,Mn,Ce)₆Fe₂Zr₃Si₂₄O₆₆(O,OH)₆Cl·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.82 g/cm³
Colors: Brownish yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Pseudo hexagonal
Cleavage: Imperfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In an agpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline igneous complex

Where rockhounds find ikranite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Karnasurt, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In an agpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, lorenzenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ikranite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include brownish yellow.

Where is ikranite found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Karnasurt, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like ikranite?+

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

What minerals are found with ikranite?+

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

What kind of rock does ikranite form in?+

Where it forms: In an agpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline igneous complex. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ikranite used for?+

Ikranite is used in collector.

Find ikranite on the map

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