mineral

Eudialyte

Na15Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)3Zr3(Si,Nb)Si25O73(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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.