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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 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
- 2.06-2.23 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-tetragonal dipyramidal crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In veinlets cutting melilite-nephelinite volcanic rocks and pyroclastics (Hegau, Germany); in natrolite veinlets cutting ijolite-urtite pegmatites and apatite-nepheline rocks (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Where rockhounds find amicite
Classic worldwide localities
- Höwenegg quarry, Hegau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Kukisvumchorr apatite deposit, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- A quarry near Cuidad Real, ?? Province, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In veinlets cutting melilite-nephelinite volcanic rocks and pyroclastics (Hegau, Germany); in natrolite veinlets cutting ijolite-urtite pegmatites and apatite-nepheline rocks (Kola Peninsula, Russia). If you start seeing merlinoite, aragonite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo-tetragonal dipyramidal crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify amicite?+
Where is amicite found?+
What rocks look like amicite?+
What minerals are found with amicite?+
What kind of rock does amicite form in?+
What is amicite used for?+
Find amicite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
