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 — that is 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
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Find poudretteite on the map
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