Strontiodresserite is an extremely rare carbonate mineral found primarily in the alkaline rocks of the Mont Saint-Hilaire complex. It typically forms delicate, white to pale yellow radiating clusters of bladed crystals within cavities and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this strontiodresserite?
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 strontiodresserite with a known reference. Strontiodresserite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontiodresserite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Strontiodresserite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed aggregates.
Often confused with
Strontiodresserite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside strontiodresserite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strontiodresserite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SrAl₂(CO₃)₂(OH)₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find strontiodresserite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where strontiodresserite typically forms. If you start seeing dawsonite, calcite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify strontiodresserite?+
Where is strontiodresserite found?+
How much is strontiodresserite worth?+
What rocks look like strontiodresserite?+
What minerals are found with strontiodresserite?+
What kind of rock does strontiodresserite form in?+
What is strontiodresserite used for?+
Find strontiodresserite on the map
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