Chabazite-Ca is a common zeolite mineral recognized by its characteristic rhombohedral crystals that often mimic cubes. It is most frequently collected from amygdaloidal cavities in basaltic rocks where it forms alongside other zeolite species. Collectors look for its glassy luster and distinctive crystal twinning patterns.
Is this chabazite-ca?
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 chabazite-ca with a known reference. Chabazite-Ca sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chabazite-Ca leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chabazite-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, pink, orange, red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, often pseudocubic.
Often confused with
Chabazite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chabazite-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with chabazite-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.05-2.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Often Pseudocubic
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {1011}
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Study
- Host rock
- Basaltic Lava Cavities and Volcanic Vesicles
- Typical price
- $5-50 thumbnail, $20-150 cabinet
Where rockhounds find chabazite-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Victoria, Australia
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- Iceland
- Faroe Islands
- New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic lava cavities and volcanic vesicles country — that is the host setting where chabazite-ca typically forms. If you start seeing heulandite, stilbite, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, often pseudocubic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chabazite-ca?+
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Find chabazite-ca on the map
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