Catapleiite

The world's finest examples of catapleiite, a rare sodium zirconium silicate (Na-Zr silicate), are found at the renowned Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH) in Quebec, Canada. This locality is known for producing the largest and most well-formed crystallized specimens of catapleiite, making it one of the most sought-after species, second only to sérandite among MSH mineral collectors. Catapleiite from MSH is considered "best-of-species" material, featuring sharply hexagonal, tabular crystals with exceptional form and clarity.

A particularly fine specimen, (over an inch) likely collected in the 1990s, this crystal is noted for its sharp, well-defined euhedral crystals. Though appearing contacted at the base, it's actually a floater, complete on all sides, bevelled edges can be found at the bottom edge on close inspection. The crystals possess superb beveled edges and display a glassy, slight iridescence, and gemmy to translucent quality. Pristine, euhedral catapleiite specimens of this caliber are rarely encountered, making it a standout example from the famous Mont Saint-Hilaire locality.