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 — that is 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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