Gaidonnayite is a rare zirconium silicate mineral primarily found in highly alkaline igneous environments. Collectors prize it for its sharp, well-formed tabular orthorhombic crystals, which are often found lining cavities in nepheline syenite pegmatites.
Is this gaidonnayite?
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 gaidonnayite with a known reference. Gaidonnayite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gaidonnayite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gaidonnayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating clusters, drusy coatings.
Often confused with
Gaidonnayite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside gaidonnayite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gaidonnayite. 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
- Density
- 2.51 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Clusters, Drusy Coatings
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal size and matrix
Where rockhounds find gaidonnayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire (Quebec, Canada)
- Kola Peninsula (Russia)
- Narssârssuaq (Greenland)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites, pegmatites country, the host setting where gaidonnayite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating clusters, drusy coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify gaidonnayite?+
Where is gaidonnayite found?+
How much is gaidonnayite worth?+
What rocks look like gaidonnayite?+
What minerals are found with gaidonnayite?+
What kind of rock does gaidonnayite form in?+
What is gaidonnayite used for?+
Find gaidonnayite on the map
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