Poudretteite is an exceptionally rare borosilicate mineral primarily known from the Mont Saint-Hilaire alkaline complex. It is highly sought after by gemstone collectors for its delicate pink coloration and hexagonal crystal structure.
Is this poudretteite?
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 poudretteite with a known reference. Poudretteite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Poudretteite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Poudretteite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, colorless, purple.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Poudretteite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside poudretteite
Minerals reported to co-occur with poudretteite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNa₂B₃Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.51 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
- Typical price
- $500-5000+ per carat depending on quality
Where rockhounds find poudretteite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Mogok, Myanmar
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country, the host setting where poudretteite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, natrolite 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 poudretteite?+
Where is poudretteite found?+
How much is poudretteite worth?+
What rocks look like poudretteite?+
What minerals are found with poudretteite?+
What kind of rock does poudretteite form in?+
What is poudretteite used for?+
Find poudretteite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
