mineral
Eudialyte
Na15Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)3Zr3(Si,Nb)Si25O73(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs), Color: Red, pink, magenta, yellowish-brown, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Specific Gravity: 2.7–3.1. It is often found with black aegirine and white/gray nepheline or feldspar.
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Luster
- Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Specific Gravity: 2
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs), Color: Red, pink, magenta, yellowish-brown, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Specific Gravity: 2.7–3.1. It is often found with black aegirine and white/gray nepheline or feldspar.
Formation & geological history
Formed in alkaline igneous rocks like nepheline syenites and pegmatites. It is a rare cyclosilicate mineral typically associated with the late stages of magmatic crystallization.
Uses & applications
Primarily a collector's mineral and a minor ore of zirconium. It is often used in jewelry as cabochons due to its striking magenta and black patterns.
Geological facts
Eudialyte is mildly radioactive due to its tendency to host rare-earth elements and certain isotopes. It was first described in 1819 from specimens found in Greenland. Its name comes from the Greek words 'eu dialytos', meaning 'well-soluble', because of its easy solubility in acids.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the distinct magenta/vivid red color contrasted against black and white matrix. Usually found in large-scale alkaline complexes such as the Kola Peninsula in Russia or Mont Saint-Hilaire in Quebec, Canada.
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sedimentary
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Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock