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. Natromarkeyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natromarkeyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 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
- Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- 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
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find natromarkeyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire (Canada)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where natromarkeyite typically forms. If you start seeing dawsonite, siderite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natromarkeyite?+
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How much is natromarkeyite worth?+
What rocks look like natromarkeyite?+
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Find natromarkeyite on the map
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