Kyanoxalite is a rare member of the cancrinite group typically found in highly evolved alkaline pegmatites. It usually forms as small, clear, prismatic crystals and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare silicates.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Kyanoxalite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this kyanoxalite?

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 kyanoxalite with a known reference. Kyanoxalite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, 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: colorless, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kyanoxalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₇(Al₆Si₇O₂₄)((C₂)O₄)₀.₅₋₁.₀·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 2.285-2.30 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rock-forming mineral in hydrothermally altered peralkaline rocks and pegmatites of an alkaline massif

Where rockhounds find kyanoxalite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Karnasurt and Mt. Alluaiv, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rock-forming mineral in hydrothermally altered peralkaline rocks and pegmatites of an alkaline massif. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kyanoxalite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale blue.

Where is kyanoxalite found?+

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

What rocks look like kyanoxalite?+

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

What minerals are found with kyanoxalite?+

Kyanoxalite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Sodalite, Nosean, Albite, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kyanoxalite form in?+

Where it forms: A rock-forming mineral in hydrothermally altered peralkaline rocks and pegmatites of an alkaline massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kyanoxalite used for?+

Kyanoxalite is used in collector.

Find kyanoxalite on the map

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