Catapleiite

specimen number:
2133226

location:
Poudrette Quarry, Mt. St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

description:
Colorless platy crystals of catapleiite translucent in measuring to almost 1.0 cm in size on matrix. In good condition.

Mont Saint-Hilaire, situated east of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, is one of the most prolific mineral localities on Earth, with over 430 distinct species identified within its boundaries. Geologically, it is an alkaline intrusive complex and part of the Monteregian Hills, formed during the Cretaceous period by a series of magmatic pulses that intruded through surrounding sedimentary rocks. The mountain is composed primarily of nepheline syenites and sodalite syenites, which created a unique geochemical environment rich in rare elements like zirconium, titanium, and rare earths. One of the classic minerals from this site is catapleiite, a hydrous sodium zirconium silicate. At Mont Saint-Hilaire, catapleiite typically occurs as hexagonal, tabular crystals that can be colorless, white, or various shades of orange and tan, often exhibiting a distinctive pearly luster on its cleavage planes. Historically, the Poudrette Quarry at the site has been the primary source of these specimens, with operations dating back to the mid-20th century. While the quarry was recently closed to collectors, the legacy of its discovery period remains a cornerstone of Canadian mineralogy.

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