Chabazite-Sr is a rare member of the zeolite group, chemically distinguished by its high strontium content. It is typically found as small, rhombohedral crystals within cavities in volcanic rocks, often mimicking a cubic habit. Collectors value it for its limited occurrence and well-defined crystal forms compared to more common zeolite species.
Is this chabazite-sr?
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-sr with a known reference. Chabazite-Sr sits at Mohs 4-4.5, 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: colorless, yellowish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: aggregates.
Often confused with
Chabazite-Sr vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chabazite-sr
Minerals reported to co-occur with chabazite-sr. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Sr,Ca)₂Al₄Si₈O₂₄·11H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Moderate on{101}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a K-feldspar and aegirine pegmatite veinlet in an alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find chabazite-sr
Classic worldwide localities
- Suoluaiv Mountain, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a K-feldspar and aegirine pegmatite veinlet in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing analcime, gonnardite, låvenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chabazite-sr?+
Where is chabazite-sr found?+
What rocks look like chabazite-sr?+
What minerals are found with chabazite-sr?+
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Find chabazite-sr on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
