Hydroxycancrinite is a relatively rare silicate mineral that typically forms as an alteration product of nepheline in alkaline igneous environments. It is best identified by its distinct hexagonal crystal structure and strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, appearing as white to yellowish massive or prismatic aggregates.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Hydroxycancrinite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this hydroxycancrinite?

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 hydroxycancrinite with a known reference. Hydroxycancrinite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxycancrinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxycancrinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellow, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Hydroxycancrinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hydroxycancrinite and vitreous to greasy on Nepheline.

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Often found alongside hydroxycancrinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxycancrinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(OH,CO₃)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.4-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellow Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow or Orange Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Study
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find hydroxycancrinite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hydroxycancrinite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sodalite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydroxycancrinite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellow, colorless.

Where is hydroxycancrinite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Langesundsfjord, Norway.

How much is hydroxycancrinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like hydroxycancrinite?+

Hydroxycancrinite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Nepheline. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hydroxycancrinite?+

Hydroxycancrinite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Sodalite, Aegirine, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydroxycancrinite form in?+

Hydroxycancrinite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydroxycancrinite used for?+

Hydroxycancrinite is used in collector, mineralogical study.

Find hydroxycancrinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.