Lussierite is an extremely rare sulfate-carbonate mineral found almost exclusively in the alkaline rocks of the Poudrette Quarry. Collectors should look for thin, colorless to white tabular crystals that typically occur within small vugs in pegmatite or syenite host rocks.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Lussierite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this lussierite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lussierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₀(CO₃)₃(SO₄)₃FCl
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.56 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Intrusive Complexes
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find lussierite

Classic worldwide localities

Poudrette Quarry (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada)

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline intrusive complexes country — that is the host setting where lussierite typically forms. If you start seeing glauberite, natrite, shortite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lussierite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is lussierite found?+

Notable localities include Poudrette Quarry (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada).

How much is lussierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lussierite?+

Lussierite is most often confused with Nahcolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lussierite?+

Lussierite commonly co-occurs with glauberite, natrite, shortite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lussierite form in?+

Lussierite typically forms in alkaline intrusive complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lussierite used for?+

Lussierite is used in collector.

Find lussierite on the map

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