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 — that is 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.