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 — that is 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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