Natrolemoynite is a rare hydrated sodium zirconium silicate mineral typically found in miarolitic cavities within alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors primarily seek it at the famous Mont Saint-Hilaire locality, where it occurs as delicate, transparent prismatic crystals often associated with other rare alkaline silicates.
Is this natrolemoynite?
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 natrolemoynite with a known reference. Natrolemoynite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natrolemoynite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natrolemoynite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Natrolemoynite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natrolemoynite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natrolemoynite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Zr₂Si₁₀O₂₆·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Intrusive Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find natrolemoynite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous intrusive complexes country, the host setting where natrolemoynite typically forms. If you start seeing analcime, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natrolemoynite?+
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How much is natrolemoynite worth?+
What rocks look like natrolemoynite?+
What minerals are found with natrolemoynite?+
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Find natrolemoynite on the map
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