Boggsite is an extremely rare zeolite mineral discovered in the basalt vesicles of Oregon. It typically forms small, clear, pseudo-dodecahedral crystals that are highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Boggsite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this boggsite?

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 boggsite with a known reference. Boggsite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Boggsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Boggsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant pseudo-dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Analcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

Often found alongside boggsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₈Na₃(Si₄₈Be₂Al₄₈)O₉₆·70H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Equant Pseudo-dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Vesicles in Basalt
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find boggsite

Classic worldwide localities

Gobalou Lave, Goble, Oregon, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in vesicles in basalt country — that is the host setting where boggsite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant pseudo-dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify boggsite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is boggsite found?+

Notable localities include Gobalou Lave, Goble, Oregon, USA.

How much is boggsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like boggsite?+

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

What minerals are found with boggsite?+

Boggsite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Heulandite, Mordenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does boggsite form in?+

Boggsite typically forms in vesicles in basalt. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is boggsite used for?+

Boggsite is used in collector.

Find boggsite on the map

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