Calciocatapleiite is a rare calcium-dominant member of the catapleiite group often found in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically occurs as small, tabular, platy crystals, and its identification usually requires sophisticated chemical analysis to distinguish it from the sodium-dominant catapleiite. Collectors prize it primarily for its occurrence in world-class alkaline pegmatites like Mont Saint-Hilaire.
Is this calciocatapleiite?
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 calciocatapleiite with a known reference. Calciocatapleiite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calciocatapleiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calciocatapleiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular.
Often confused with
Calciocatapleiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calciocatapleiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with calciocatapleiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaZrSi₃O₉·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find calciocatapleiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where calciocatapleiite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calciocatapleiite?+
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Find calciocatapleiite on the map
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