Charleshatchettite is an exceptionally rare member of the Tundrite group discovered in alkaline massifs. It typically appears as small, tabular yellow or brown crystals associated with other rare earth minerals in nepheline syenite pegmatites.
Is this charleshatchettite?
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 charleshatchettite with a known reference. Charleshatchettite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Charleshatchettite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Charleshatchettite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often found alongside charleshatchettite
Minerals reported to co-occur with charleshatchettite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ce₂Ti₂O₂(SiO₄)₂(CO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.2-4.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find charleshatchettite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where charleshatchettite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find charleshatchettite on the map
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