Chabazite-Na is a member of the zeolite group typically found as distinct rhombohedral crystals that resemble cubes. It is commonly identified by its pseudo-cubic habit and presence in volcanic vugs alongside other zeolites.
Is this chabazite-na?
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-na with a known reference. Chabazite-Na 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, pinkish, reddish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: druse, pseudo cubic.
Often confused with
Chabazite-Na vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chabazite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with chabazite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na₃K)Al₄Si₈O₂₄·11H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.09 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Druse, pseudo cubic
- Cleavage
- {10*1}, distinct
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Geological study
- Host rock
- In volcanic rocks as basalts, andesite; rarer in limestones and schists; hydrothermally deposited in cavities and joints in ore veins
Where rockhounds find chabazite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Biggest ‘Faraglione’ facing Aci Trezza, Sicily, Italy (type locality)
- Foveaux Formation, Bluff Peninsula, New Zealand
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In volcanic rocks as basalts, andesite; rarer in limestones and schists; hydrothermally deposited in cavities and joints in ore veins. If you start seeing zeolites, nepheline, melilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: druse, pseudo cubic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
More chabazite-na photos
Common questions
How do you identify chabazite-na?+
Where is chabazite-na found?+
What rocks look like chabazite-na?+
What minerals are found with chabazite-na?+
What kind of rock does chabazite-na form in?+
What is chabazite-na used for?+
Find chabazite-na on the map
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