Nepheline
| Colour | Gray, White, Brown |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Cleavage | [1010] Poor |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.55–2.65 (average: 2.59) |
What is Nepheline?
Nepheline (from Ancient Greek νεφέλη (nephélē) 'cloud'), also called nephelite, is a rock-forming mineral in the feldspathoid group – a silica-undersaturated aluminosilicate (Na3KAl4Si4O16) that occurs in intrusive and volcanic rocks with low silica, and in their associated pegmatites. It is used in glass and ceramic manufacturing and other industries, and has been investigated as an ore of aluminium.
How to identify Nepheline
- Lustre: Vitreous to greasy.
- Hardness: Mohs 6 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Hexagonal crystal system.
Nepheline in different forms
Stones often confused with Nepheline
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Nepheline?
Nepheline is Mohs 6 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Nepheline?
Nepheline is typically gray, white, brown (White, gray, brown, brownish gray, or reddish white).