Perlialite is an exceptionally rare zeolite-group mineral often occurring in alkaline pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic hexagonal prisms, which are most notably found in the unique mineral environment of Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Perlialite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this perlialite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Perlialite and vitreous to greasy on Nepheline.

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Often found alongside perlialite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₉Na(Ca,Sr)₂[Al₁₄Si₃₄O₉₆]·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find perlialite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where perlialite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, 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 perlialite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is perlialite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is perlialite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like perlialite?+

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

What minerals are found with perlialite?+

Perlialite commonly co-occurs with sodalite, aegirine, microcline, neptunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does perlialite form in?+

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

What is perlialite used for?+

Perlialite is used in collector.

Find perlialite on the map

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