Charleshatchettite is a rare calcium niobium hydroxide that forms white globules. Associated minerals include albite, quartz and muscovite. It was first described from the Poudrette Quarry, Montérégie (formerly Rouville County), Québec, Canada.
Is this charleshatchettite?
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 charleshatchettite with a known reference. Charleshatchettite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Charleshatchettite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Charleshatchettite typically shows a silky luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: globules.
Often found alongside charleshatchettite
Minerals reported to co-occur with charleshatchettite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaNb₄O₁₀(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.878 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Globules
- Cleavage
- {100}, Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find charleshatchettite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette Quarry, Québec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where charleshatchettite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a globules habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify charleshatchettite?+
Where is charleshatchettite found?+
What minerals are found with charleshatchettite?+
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Find charleshatchettite on the map
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