Rogermitchellite is a rare sodium strontium barium hydroxide, typically colorless to gray. It occurs in vugs in late-stage igneous breccia in an alkaline igneous complex. It was first described from Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.
Is this rogermitchellite?
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 rogermitchellite with a known reference. Rogermitchellite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rogermitchellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rogermitchellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Rogermitchellite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rogermitchellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rogermitchellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆Sr₁₂Ba₂Zr₁₃Si₃₉B₆O₁₂₃(OH)₁₄·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.34 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find rogermitchellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where rogermitchellite typically forms. If you start seeing analcime, natrolite, sodalite 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 rogermitchellite?+
Where is rogermitchellite found?+
What rocks look like rogermitchellite?+
What minerals are found with rogermitchellite?+
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Find rogermitchellite on the map
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