Catapleiite typically forms as distinctive pseudohexagonal tabular crystals, often occurring in alkaline igneous environments. It is highly sought after by collectors of micro-minerals for its clean, often glass-like crystal shapes. It is most notably found in the famous nepheline syenite pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire.
Is this catapleiite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch catapleiite with a known reference. Catapleiite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Catapleiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Catapleiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, pseudohexagonal.
Often confused with
Catapleiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside catapleiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with catapleiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂ZrSi₃O₉·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Pseudohexagonal
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find catapleiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Langesundsfjord, Norway
- Narssârssuk, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country, the host setting where catapleiite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, pseudohexagonal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find catapleiite on the map
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