Haineaultite is an extremely rare mineral discovered in the alkaline igneous rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically forms delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or radial sprays in small vugs, often requiring a microscope for proper identification.
Is this haineaultite?
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 haineaultite with a known reference. Haineaultite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Haineaultite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Haineaultite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Haineaultite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside haineaultite
Minerals reported to co-occur with haineaultite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca)₅(Ca,Mn)₂(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,F)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-specimen
Where rockhounds find haineaultite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where haineaultite typically forms. If you start seeing analcime, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find haineaultite on the map
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