Griceite is a rare lithium fluoride mineral that typically forms as colorless or white cubic crystals. It was first discovered in the highly diverse alkaline pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire and is highly sought after by advanced collectors for its rarity and simple chemical composition.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Griceite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this griceite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside griceite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: LiF
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.22 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Cubic Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find griceite

Classic worldwide localities

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where griceite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, villiaumite, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a cubic crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify griceite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is griceite found?+

Notable localities include Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

How much is griceite 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 griceite?+

Griceite is most often confused with Halite, Sylvite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with griceite?+

Griceite commonly co-occurs with Sodalite, Villiaumite, Natrolite, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does griceite form in?+

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

What is griceite used for?+

Griceite is used in collector.

Find griceite on the map

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