Rock Identifier
Eudialyte (Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si26O72(OH,Cl)2 (Eudialyte Group)) — mineral
mineral

Eudialyte

Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si26O72(OH,Cl)2 (Eudialyte Group)

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Pinkish-red, magenta, or brown on a matrix of white/black. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.74-3.10.

Hardness
5-6 Mohs
Color
Pinkish-red, magenta, or brown on a matrix of white/black
Luster
Vitreous
Identified More mineral

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Pinkish-red, magenta, or brown on a matrix of white/black. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.74-3.10.

Formation & geological history

Formed in rare alkaline igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and pegmatites. It is a late-stage primary mineral formed from magma enriched with zirconium and rare earth elements.

Uses & applications

Primarily sold as collector specimens or polished into cabochons for jewelry. It is also an ore for zirconium and rare earth elements in high-tech industries.

Geological facts

Eudialyte is often found alongside other rare minerals like aegirine (black) and nepheline (white/gray). The name comes from the Greek words for 'well' and 'soluble' because it dissolves easily in acids.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive magenta-to-pink color set in a background of black and white minerals. Most commonly sourced from Russia, Greenland, and Canada. Used by collectors to signify rare-earth enriched geological environments.