Serandite
Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:
Serandite is a silicate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution.
Serandite is a pink-to-salmon manganese silicate, famous for the superb crystals of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec.
About Seranditeextended article
Serandite is a sodium-manganese-calcium inosilicate, one of the most sought-after collector species for its glowing salmon-pink to orange colour and sharp crystals.
The Mont Saint-Hilaire connection
Mont Saint-Hilaire in Quebec is the world's premier locality, producing lustrous pink serandite — often with white analcime and black aegirine, a classic colour contrast.
What collectors look for
Sharp pink serandite crystals, especially the serandite–analcime–aegirine combinations, are the signature pieces.
About Serandite
Serandite is classified as a silicate mineral in the pectolite group and has the chemical formula Na(Mn2+,Ca)2Si3O8(OH). It crystallizes in the triclinic system and holds a steady position among silicate species. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as prismatic, bladed crystals; fibrous; radiated groups. Its color is typically salmon-orange, pink and rose-red (vivid and distinctive — from mn). The luster is vitreous, pearly on cleavage, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {100} and {001}. The fracture is uneven, splintery, which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
Serandite forms in alkaline igneous rocks (nepheline syenites and their pegmatites); associated with extremely unusual mineral assemblages. It is commonly found in association with aegirine, eudialyte, natrolite, analcime, microcline, arfvedsonite.
Why collectors care
Collectors pursue Serandite for the clarity of its crystal form and, in good material, saturated color that reads instantly across a display case. A well-terminated serandite on clean matrix photographs well, identifies quickly, and anchors a cabinet piece. Top Chinese specimens over the last two decades have reset the bar for what serandite looks like at collector grade.
What affects value
Value in Serandite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Frequently asked questions
What is Serandite?
Serandite has the chemical formula Na(Mn2+,Ca)2Si3O8(OH), crystallises in the Triclinic system. Serandite is a silicate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution.
What is the chemical formula of Serandite?
The chemical formula of Serandite is Na(Mn2+,Ca)2Si3O8(OH).
What crystal system does Serandite belong to?
Serandite crystallises in the Triclinic crystal system.
Where is Serandite found?
Notable localities for Serandite include Mont Saint-Hilaire.
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