Doyleite is a rare polymorph of aluminum hydroxide often found in alkaline pegmatite environments. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals and is prized primarily by mineral collectors specializing in rare species from localities like Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBoehmite Group family

Doyleite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this doyleite?

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 doyleite with a known reference. Doyleite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Doyleite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Doyleite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Doyleite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Doyleite and pearly on Bayerite.

Often found alongside doyleite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al(OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find doyleite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Aris, Namibia
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where doyleite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify doyleite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is doyleite found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Aris, Namibia; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is doyleite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like doyleite?+

Doyleite is most often confused with Gibbsite, Bayerite, Nordstrandite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with doyleite?+

Doyleite commonly co-occurs with Albite, Aegirine, Microcline, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does doyleite form in?+

Doyleite 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 doyleite used for?+

Doyleite is used in collector.

Find doyleite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.