Clinoptilolite-Ca is a common member of the zeolite group, typically forming within volcanic tuffs where volcanic glass has altered in saline-alkaline lakes. It is frequently found as white or colorless tabular crystals in basalt cavities or as extensive massive deposits, and it is highly valued industrially for its ion-exchange properties.
Is this clinoptilolite-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 clinoptilolite-ca with a known reference. Clinoptilolite-Ca sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinoptilolite-Ca leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinoptilolite-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pink, red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Clinoptilolite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinoptilolite-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinoptilolite-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na₂,K₂)₃Al₆Si₃₀O₇₂·20H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Industrial, Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Tuffs, Cavities in Basaltic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find clinoptilolite-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Hector, California, USA
- Teigarhorn, Iceland
- Cape Split, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Kozojedy, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic tuffs, cavities in basaltic rocks country — that is the host setting where clinoptilolite-ca typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, mordenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinoptilolite-ca?+
Where is clinoptilolite-ca found?+
How much is clinoptilolite-ca worth?+
What rocks look like clinoptilolite-ca?+
What minerals are found with clinoptilolite-ca?+
What kind of rock does clinoptilolite-ca form in?+
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Find clinoptilolite-ca on the map
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