Cancrinite was originally found in the Ural Mountains in Russia in 1893. It is believed to be named after Count Egor Frantsevitch Kankrin or George von Cancrin.

This specimen of cancrinite shows the pearly or greasy luster on the cleavage surfaces.

In Ontario cancrinite it is often a deep yellow and is found in association with blue sodalite. The combination of the colors makes this mineral popular for lapidary.