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, 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
How do you identify honeaite?+
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Find honeaite on the map
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