Niveolanite is an exceptionally rare beryllium carbonate mineral primarily found in the alkaline complex at Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically occurs as delicate, white, radiating acicular sprays or clusters nestled in cavities of igneous rocks.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareDawsonite Group family

Niveolanite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this niveolanite?

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 niveolanite with a known reference. Niveolanite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Niveolanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Niveolanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dawsonite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Niveolanite and pearly on Dawsonite.

Often found alongside niveolanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄Be₂(CO₃)₃(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.51 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find niveolanite

Classic worldwide localities

Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where niveolanite typically forms. If you start seeing dawsonite, analcime, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify niveolanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is niveolanite found?+

Notable localities include Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

How much is niveolanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like niveolanite?+

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

What minerals are found with niveolanite?+

Niveolanite commonly co-occurs with Dawsonite, Analcime, Siderite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does niveolanite form in?+

Niveolanite typically forms in alkaline igneous intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is niveolanite used for?+

Niveolanite is used in collector.

Find niveolanite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.