Clinoptilolite-K is a member of the zeolite group most commonly found in volcanic ash deposits that have been altered by alkaline groundwater. It frequently occurs as small, tabular monoclinic crystals or massive, earthy aggregates and is widely valued in industry for its ion-exchange and molecular sieve properties.
Is this clinoptilolite-k?
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-k with a known reference. Clinoptilolite-K 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-K leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinoptilolite-K typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Clinoptilolite-K vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinoptilolite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinoptilolite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Na,Ca)₂(Si,Al)₃₆O₇₂·20H₂O
- 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, Filtration
- Host rock
- Volcanic Ash Beds, Basalt Cavities, Marine Sediments
- Typical price
- $5-30 for representative specimens
Where rockhounds find clinoptilolite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- USA
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Iceland
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic ash beds, basalt cavities, marine sediments country — that is the host setting where clinoptilolite-k 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-k?+
Where is clinoptilolite-k found?+
How much is clinoptilolite-k worth?+
What rocks look like clinoptilolite-k?+
What minerals are found with clinoptilolite-k?+
What kind of rock does clinoptilolite-k form in?+
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Find clinoptilolite-k on the map
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