Bicchulite is a rare member of the sodalite group often found in contact-metamorphosed limestone or skarns. It typically occurs as massive white grains and is frequently associated with other calcium-rich silicates like mayenite and hydrogrossular.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSodalite Group family

Bicchulite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this bicchulite?

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 bicchulite with a known reference. Bicchulite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bicchulite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bicchulite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bicchulite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₈Al₈Si₈O₃₂ (OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits in Contact Metamorphic Zones
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen depending on size

Where rockhounds find bicchulite

Classic worldwide localities

Fuka mine, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits in contact metamorphic zones country — that is the host setting where bicchulite typically forms. If you start seeing mayenite, afwillite, ettringite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bicchulite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is bicchulite found?+

Notable localities include Fuka mine, Okayama Prefecture, Japan; Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, USA.

How much is bicchulite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen depending on size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bicchulite?+

Bicchulite is most often confused with Grossularite Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bicchulite?+

Bicchulite commonly co-occurs with Mayenite, Afwillite, Ettringite, Hydrogrossular. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bicchulite form in?+

Bicchulite typically forms in skarn deposits in contact metamorphic zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bicchulite used for?+

Bicchulite is used in collector.

Find bicchulite on the map

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