Nalipoite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral known primarily from the Poudrette quarry at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. Collectors typically look for small, transparent tabular crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals in pegmatite cavities.
Is this nalipoite?
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 nalipoite with a known reference. Nalipoite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nalipoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nalipoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Nalipoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nalipoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nalipoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃(Na,Ca)₃Mg(PO₄)₄F
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks in Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find nalipoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks in pegmatites country, the host setting where nalipoite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, microcline 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 nalipoite?+
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How much is nalipoite worth?+
What rocks look like nalipoite?+
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Find nalipoite on the map
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