How do I identify Weloganite?

Weloganite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Light yellow color, Vitreous luster, Triclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Weloganite?

Weloganite typically appears in Light yellow, amber-yellow, white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Weloganite?

Weloganite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Weloganite

A variety of Donnayite Group

Rare

Weloganite specimen - rock identification

What is Weloganite?

Weloganite is a rare, usually whitish mineral that was discovered as recently as the 1960s. The mineral's unusual name is meant to honor Sir William Edward Logan, a distinguished Canadian geologist. Weloganite is only known to occur in a few locations worldwide, the most notable of these being near Montreal, Quebec, where it was first discovered.

Etymology & Origins

It was discovered by Canadian government mineralogist Ann P. Sabina in 1967 and named for Canadian geologist Sir William Edmond Logan (1798–1875).

Weloganite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Weloganite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Weloganite Localities Map

See where Weloganite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Weloganite

It is usually white, lemon yellow, or amber in color, and can be translucent. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and shows pseudo-hexagonal crystal forms due to twinning. The width of the crystals typically undulates down the length, forming crystals that widen in the middle or flare out at the end. Crystals are affected by light and can develop a white alteration coating over time. Weloganite is triboluminescent, producing blue light.

Formation of Weloganite

It occurs in an igneous carbonatite sill in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in the Francon Quarry where it was first discovered. It also occurs in the Mont Saint-Hilaire district. Associated minerals include strontianite, dawsonite and calcite. It has also been reported from the Pilansberg Complex of the western Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa.