Veblenite is an exceptionally rare phyllosilicate mineral typically found in the miarolitic cavities of alkaline igneous intrusions. Collectors primarily seek it at the Poudrette quarry in Mont Saint-Hilaire, where it occurs as small, elongated, yellowish-brown prismatic crystals.
Is this veblenite?
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 veblenite with a known reference. Veblenite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Veblenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Veblenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Veblenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eudialyte is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Veblenite leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Veblenite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside veblenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with veblenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Fe₄(Mg,Fe)₂Al₂Si₁₀O₂₈(OH)₂·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find veblenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where veblenite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine 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 veblenite on the map
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