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.

mineral

Analcite

Mohs 5-5.5

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, 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.