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 — that is 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?+
Where is natrolemoynite found?+
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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