Weloganite
A variety of Donnayite Group
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).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Weloganite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Weloganite Localities Map
See where Weloganite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Weloganite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Zirconium.
- ⚠️Zirconium
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle weloganite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing weloganite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store weloganite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Light yellow, amber-yellow, white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.208 g/cm³
- Streak
- white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Triclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na2Sr3Zr(CO3)6 · 3H2O
- Elements
- C, H, Na, O, Sr, Zr
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Weloganite FAQs
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.
What is the characteristics of weloganite 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.
What is the formation of weloganite 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.