Quintinite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found in alkaline igneous complexes. It forms thin, platy, pseudohexagonal crystals that often appear as delicate, pearly rosettes associated with secondary minerals in pegmatite vugs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Supergroup family

Quintinite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this quintinite?

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 quintinite with a known reference. Quintinite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Quintinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Quintinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals, rosette-like aggregates, micaceous.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside quintinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.05-2.11 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Hexagonal Crystals, Rosette-like Aggregates, Micaceous
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find quintinite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Kovdor Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where quintinite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular hexagonal crystals, rosette-like aggregates, micaceous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify quintinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow, pale green.

Where is quintinite found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Kovdor Massif, Russia.

How much is quintinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like quintinite?+

Quintinite is most often confused with Hydrotalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with quintinite?+

Quintinite commonly co-occurs with Sodalite, Aegirine, Microcline, Eudialyte, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quintinite form in?+

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

What is quintinite used for?+

Quintinite is used in collector.

Find quintinite on the map

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