Serandite: The mineral Serandite information and pictures

About

Serandite is a very rare mineral except at one locality, where it forms in large, well-shaped crystals. It is one of the most famous mineral from the unique pegmatite occurrence of Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec. Serandite forms very attractive pink and salmon-colored crystals, and its frequent association with Analcime is a popular combination. Many minerals form pseudomorphs after Serandite, completely replacing the Serandite but preserving its original shape.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Occurs in prismatic and tabular crystals. Crystals can be long and slender or short and stubby. Aggregates include bladed, columnar, encrusting, acicular, radiating, and fibrous. Crystals may sometimes have etchings or small holes.

Striking Features

Color, locality, and mineral associations

Environment

In alkali-rich nepheline syenite pegmatites.

Uses

Serandite is well sought after by mineral collectors, and good specimens are very costly and in demand.

Noteworthy Localities

Small amounts of Serandite were found on Rouma Island, Los Islands, Guinea; the Shkatulka pegmatite in the Umbozero mine, Kola Peninsula, Russia; the Gem Mine, San Benito Co., California; and at the Demix-Varennes quarry, Saint-Amable, Quebec (Canada).

The finest examples of this mineral came from Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec (Canada), which is the only significant source of this mineral where it formed in very large crystals. Serandite is one of the minerals responsible for making the unique locality of Mont Saint Hilaire famous.