Hydrodresserite is an extremely rare barium aluminum carbonate mineral primarily known from the alkaline rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire in Quebec. It typically forms delicate, radiating clusters of acicular needles and is prized by advanced micromount collectors due to its rarity and specific formation environment.
Is this hydrodresserite?
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 hydrodresserite with a known reference. Hydrodresserite 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. Hydrodresserite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydrodresserite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiated aggregates.
Often confused with
Hydrodresserite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydrodresserite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydrodresserite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaAl₂(CO₃)₂(OH)₄·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiated Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydrodresserite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country, the host setting where hydrodresserite typically forms. If you start seeing dresserite, weloganite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydrodresserite?+
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What rocks look like hydrodresserite?+
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Find hydrodresserite on the map
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