Treasurite is an exceptionally rare carbonate mineral primarily known from the alkaline igneous complex at Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically occurs as small, delicate tabular crystals associated with other rare mineral species in vugs and cavities.

Hardness
3.5
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this treasurite?

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 treasurite with a known reference. Treasurite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Treasurite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Treasurite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside treasurite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Na₂Ca₄(CO₃)₅
Mohs hardness
3.5
Density
2.9-3.0 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Crystal habit
Tabular Crystals
Cleavage
Perfect
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find treasurite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where treasurite typically forms. If you start seeing analcime, siderite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify treasurite?+
Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.
Where is treasurite found?+
Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.
How much is treasurite 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 rocks look like treasurite?+
Treasurite is most often confused with Calcite, Dawsonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with treasurite?+
Treasurite commonly co-occurs with Analcime, Siderite, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does treasurite form in?+
Treasurite typically forms in alkaline igneous intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is treasurite used for?+
Treasurite is used in collector.

Find treasurite on the map

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