Rémondite-(La) is an exceptionally rare rare-earth element carbonate mineral primarily found in the nepheline syenite pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors usually seek it in the form of small, tabular, transparent to translucent crystals associated with other rare alkaline-suite minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBastnäsite Group family

Rémondite-(La)

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this rémondite-(la)?

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 rémondite-(la) with a known reference. Rémondite-(La) sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rémondite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rémondite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often found alongside rémondite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃(La,Ce,Ca,Sr)₃(CO₃)₅
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find rémondite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where rémondite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rémondite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless, white.

Where is rémondite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is rémondite-(la) 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 minerals are found with rémondite-(la)?+

Rémondite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Nepheline, Sodalite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rémondite-(la) form in?+

Rémondite-(La) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rémondite-(la) used for?+

Rémondite-(La) is used in collector.

Find rémondite-(la) on the map

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