Honeaite is a rare organic mineraloid, specifically an aromatic hydrocarbon resin found in association with lignite beds. It typically occurs as small, irregular, brittle yellowish-brown masses and is chemically distinct due to its specific molecular structure. Collectors prize it as a scientific curiosity, as it is known primarily from its type locality in Texas.
Is this honeaite?
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 honeaite with a known reference. Honeaite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Honeaite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Honeaite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: irregular masses.
Often confused with
Honeaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside honeaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with honeaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₂₀H₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 1.0-1.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Deposits
- Typical price
- varies significantly due to extreme rarity
Where rockhounds find honeaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Honea, Texas, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where honeaite typically forms. If you start seeing lignite, clay in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find honeaite on the map
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