Rock Identifier
Eudialyte (Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si(Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2) — mineral
mineral

Eudialyte

Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si(Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2

Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale). Color: Pink, red, violet, or brown. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 2.74 - 3.10.

Hardness
5-5
Color
Pink, red, violet, or brown
Luster
Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale). Color: Pink, red, violet, or brown. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 2.74 - 3.10.

Formation & geological history

Formed in alkaline igneous rocks, particularly nepheline syenites and pegmatites. It is late-stage primary mineral or a secondary mineral. Common in Precambrian and younger alkaline complexes.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector's mineral. Occasionally used as a minor ore of zirconium. Used in jewelry as cabochons if the color is vibrant and it is stable enough.

Geological facts

First described in 1819 from specimens found in Greenland. Its name comes from the Greek words 'eu' and 'dialytos', meaning 'well-decomposable', referring to its easy solubility in acids.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive magenta or raspberry-red color and association with black aegirine or white feldspar in alkaline rocks. Found in Kola Peninsula (Russia), Mont Saint-Hilaire (Canada), and Greenland.