Barrerite is a relatively rare member of the zeolite group that forms as a late-stage mineral in volcanic cavities. It is visually similar to stilbite, often requiring chemical or structural testing for positive identification. It is most sought after by advanced collectors for its distinct, though rare, aesthetic crystal forms.
Is this barrerite?
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 barrerite with a known reference. Barrerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barrerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Barrerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pink, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, often elongated or radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Barrerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside barrerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with barrerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Al₂Si₇O₁₈·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Often Elongated or Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Rocks, Specifically in Basaltic Amygdales
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen quality and locality
Where rockhounds find barrerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kuiu Island, Alaska, USA
- Cape Pula, Sardinia, Italy
- Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic rocks, specifically in basaltic amygdales country — that is the host setting where barrerite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, often elongated or radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find barrerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
