Natromarkeyite is a rare hydrated sodium calcium carbonate mineral discovered in the alkaline rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors should look for its distinctive platy or prismatic crystal habits occurring within cavities of intrusive igneous rocks. It is highly sensitive to humidity and should be stored in a controlled environment to prevent dehydration.
Is this natromarkeyite?
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 natromarkeyite with a known reference. Natromarkeyite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Natromarkeyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natromarkeyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natromarkeyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ca₈(UO₂)₄(CO₃)₁₃(H₂O)₂₄·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Pale yellow-green
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy to prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- alkaline igneous rocks
Where rockhounds find natromarkeyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire (Canada)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: alkaline igneous rocks. If you start seeing dawsonite, siderite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy to prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natromarkeyite?+
Where is natromarkeyite found?+
Is natromarkeyite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like natromarkeyite?+
What minerals are found with natromarkeyite?+
What kind of rock does natromarkeyite form in?+
What is natromarkeyite used for?+
Find natromarkeyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
