Amicite is a rare zeolite mineral that typically forms as small, pseudo-tetragonal dipyramidal crystals. It is most frequently found in alkaline igneous environments, particularly in the cavities of nepheline syenite. Because of its scarcity and small crystal size, it is primarily a target for advanced zeolite collectors.
Is this amicite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch amicite with a known reference. Amicite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Amicite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Amicite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: pseudo-tetragonal dipyramidal crystals.
Often confused with
Amicite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside amicite
Minerals reported to co-occur with amicite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Na₂Al₄Si₄O₁₆·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 2.13 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-tetragonal Dipyramidal Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Specifically in Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find amicite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hegau, Germany
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, specifically in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where amicite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, analcime, tetranatrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-tetragonal dipyramidal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify amicite?+
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How much is amicite worth?+
What rocks look like amicite?+
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Find amicite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
