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, 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.