Perlialite is an exceptionally rare zeolite-group mineral often occurring in alkaline pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic hexagonal prisms, which are most notably found in the unique mineral environment of Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Perlialite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this perlialite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Perlialite and vitreous to greasy on Nepheline.

Compare →

Often found alongside perlialite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₉Na(Ca,Sr)₂[Al₁₄Si₃₄O₉₆]·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find perlialite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where perlialite typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, microcline 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

How do you identify perlialite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is perlialite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is perlialite 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 perlialite?+

Perlialite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Nepheline. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with perlialite?+

Perlialite commonly co-occurs with sodalite, aegirine, microcline, neptunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does perlialite form in?+

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

What is perlialite used for?+

Perlialite is used in collector.

Find perlialite on the map

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