Axelite is a historical synonym often associated with the Apophyllite group, characterized by its distinct tabular crystal habits and perfect basal cleavage. It is primarily found as a secondary mineral in volcanic vugs and basaltic cavities alongside various zeolites.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApophyllite Group family

Axelite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this axelite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch axelite with a known reference. Axelite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Axelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Axelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pink, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Axelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Apophyllite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Axelite and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

Often found alongside axelite

Minerals reported to co-occur with axelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pink Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Basaltic Cavities
Typical price: $20-150 for cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find axelite

Classic worldwide localities

Andreasberg, Germany
Poona, India
Kongsberg, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in basaltic cavities country — that is the host setting where axelite typically forms. If you start seeing zeolites, calcite, prehnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify axelite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pink, yellow.

Where is axelite found?+

Notable localities include Andreasberg, Germany; Poona, India; Kongsberg, Norway.

How much is axelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like axelite?+

Axelite is most often confused with Apophyllite, Stilbite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with axelite?+

Axelite commonly co-occurs with Zeolites, Calcite, Prehnite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does axelite form in?+

Axelite typically forms in basaltic cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is axelite used for?+

Axelite is used in collector.

Find axelite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.