Chabazite-Mg is a rare magnesium-dominant member of the zeolite group, often occurring in basaltic vugs. Collectors identify it by its characteristic rhombohedral crystals, which frequently resemble cubes. It is most commonly found in association with other zeolite minerals in volcanic rock cavities.
Is this chabazite-mg?
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-mg with a known reference. Chabazite-Mg 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-Mg leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chabazite-Mg typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Chabazite-Mg vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chabazite-mg
Minerals reported to co-occur with chabazite-mg. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Ca,Na₂,K₂)₂Al₄Si₈O₂₄·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.05-2.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {1011}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Vugs and Cavities
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find chabazite-mg
Classic worldwide localities
- British Columbia, Canada
- Victoria, Australia
- Sicily, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic vugs and cavities country — that is the host setting where chabazite-mg typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, thomsonite, phillipsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chabazite-mg?+
Where is chabazite-mg found?+
How much is chabazite-mg worth?+
What rocks look like chabazite-mg?+
What minerals are found with chabazite-mg?+
What kind of rock does chabazite-mg form in?+
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Find chabazite-mg on the map
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