Ancylite-(La) is a rare strontium-lanthanum carbonate mineral typically found in late-stage crystallization environments within alkaline igneous complexes. Collectors should look for small, sharp, pseudo-octahedral crystals often nestled in vugs or cavities alongside other rare earth minerals.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAncylite Group family

Ancylite-(La)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this ancylite-(la)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch ancylite-(la) with a known reference. Ancylite-(La) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ancylite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ancylite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo-octahedral crystals, pyramidal crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Ancylite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside ancylite-(la)

Minerals reported to co-occur with ancylite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SrLa(CO₃)₂(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 3.9-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudo-octahedral Crystals, Pyramidal Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ancylite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Norway
Madagascar

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ancylite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, albite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-octahedral crystals, pyramidal crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ancylite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless, pink.

Where is ancylite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Norway; Madagascar.

How much is ancylite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ancylite-(la)?+

Ancylite-(La) is most often confused with Ancylite-(Ce), Strontianite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ancylite-(la)?+

Ancylite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Albite, Microcline, Sodalite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ancylite-(la) form in?+

Ancylite-(La) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ancylite-(la) used for?+

Ancylite-(La) is used in collector.

Find ancylite-(la) on the map

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