Lorenzenite

A variety of Minerals

Lorenzenite specimen

What is Lorenzenite?

Lorenzenite is a rare sodium titanium silicate mineral with the formula Na2Ti2Si2O9 It is an orthorhombic mineral, variously found as colorless, grey, pinkish, or brown crystals. It was first identified in 1897 in rock samples from Narsarsuk, Greenland. In 1947 it was discovered to be the same as the mineral ramsayite (now a synonym of lorenzenite), discovered in the 1920s in the Kola peninsula of Russia. It is also found in northern Canada. It occurs in nepheline syenites and pegmatites in association with aegirine, nepheline, microcline, arfvedsonite, elpidite, loparite, eudialyte, astrophyllite, mangan-neptunite, lavenite, rinkite, apatite, titanite and ilmenite. It was named in honor of Danish mineralogist Johannes Theodor Lorenzen (1855–1884).

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lorenzenite 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.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Lorenzenite Localities Map

See where Lorenzenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Pale purple-brown, pale pink to mauve, brown to black
Hardness (Mohs)
6
Density
3.44 g/cm³
Streak
White to pale brown

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Na2Ti2(Si2O6)O3
Elements
Na, O, Si, Ti

Also Known As

LorenzeniteRamsayite
FREE APPTrusted by rockhounds
Ruby Glint rock identifier app

Identify Lorenzenite Instantly

  • Snap a photo, get instant results
  • 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
  • Discover collecting spots near you

Lorenzenite FAQs

How do I identify Lorenzenite?

Lorenzenite can be identified by its hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, Pale purple-brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Lorenzenite?

Lorenzenite typically appears in Pale purple-brown, pale pink to mauve, brown to black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Lorenzenite?

Lorenzenite has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Related Minerals

Explore More Rocks & Minerals