Cancrinite
A variety of Minerals
What is Cancrinite?
Cancrinite is a complex carbonate and silicate of sodium, calcium and aluminium with the formula Na6Ca2[(CO3)2|Al6Si6O24]·2H2O. It is classed as a member of the feldspathoid group of minerals; the alkali feldspars that are poor in silica. Yellow, orange, pink, white or even blue, it has a vitreous or pearly luster; a hardness of 5–6 and an uneven conchoidal fracture. It is unusual among the silicate minerals in that it will effervesce with hydrochloric acid due to the associated carbonate ions. Found originally in 1839 in the Ural Mountains, it is named after Georg von Cancrin, a Russian minister of finance.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.491-1.524
- Birefringence
- 0.022-0.026
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial negative
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cancrinite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Grey-green, white, yellow, blue, orange, reddish
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 6
- Rock tumbling
- With care
- Density
- 2.49 g/cm³
- Streak
- white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Na,Ca,☐)8(Al6Si6O24)(CO3,SO4)2 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Al, C, Ca, H, Na, O, S, Si
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Cancrinite FAQs
How do I identify Cancrinite?
Cancrinite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Grey-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Cancrinite?
Cancrinite typically appears in Grey-green, white, yellow, blue, orange, reddish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Cancrinite?
Cancrinite has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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