Ewaldite is a rare carbonate mineral typically found in complex alkaline igneous environments. Collectors look for its characteristic platy, pseudohexagonal crystals, often associated with other rare earth minerals like mckelveyite.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Ewaldite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ewaldite?

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 ewaldite with a known reference. Ewaldite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ewaldite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ewaldite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale green, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Quartz

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside ewaldite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Ca,Y,Ce,Ba,Sr)₂(CO₃)₄·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.08 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Green Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Pseudohexagonal, Tabular
Cleavage: None
Fluorescence: Bright White to Pale Yellow Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find ewaldite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where ewaldite typically forms. If you start seeing mckelveyite, dawsonite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ewaldite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale green, pale yellow.

Where is ewaldite found?+

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

How much is ewaldite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ewaldite?+

Ewaldite is most often confused with Quartz. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ewaldite?+

Ewaldite commonly co-occurs with Mckelveyite, Dawsonite, Analcime, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ewaldite form in?+

Ewaldite typically forms in alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ewaldite used for?+

Ewaldite is used in collector.

Find ewaldite on the map

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