Natroglaucocerinite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized base-metal deposits. It is best recognized by its distinct blue, pearly, micaceous plates that form crusts or thin coatings on associated zinc minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Supergroup family

Natroglaucocerinite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this natroglaucocerinite?

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 natroglaucocerinite with a known reference. Natroglaucocerinite 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. Natroglaucocerinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Natroglaucocerinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside natroglaucocerinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₃Zn₃(Al,Zn)₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃,SO₄)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Greenish-blue
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zinc-lead Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find natroglaucocerinite

Classic worldwide localities

Laurion, Greece
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zinc-lead deposits country — that is the host setting where natroglaucocerinite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, hemimorphite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify natroglaucocerinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, greenish-blue.

Where is natroglaucocerinite found?+

Notable localities include Laurion, Greece; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is natroglaucocerinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like natroglaucocerinite?+

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

What minerals are found with natroglaucocerinite?+

Natroglaucocerinite commonly co-occurs with Smithsonite, Hemimorphite, Azurite, Malachite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does natroglaucocerinite form in?+

Natroglaucocerinite typically forms in oxidized zinc-lead deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is natroglaucocerinite used for?+

Natroglaucocerinite is used in collector.

Find natroglaucocerinite on the map

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