Clinoptilolite-Na is a common member of the zeolite group often found in cavities within volcanic rocks or altered volcanic ash beds. It typically forms thin, plate-like crystals and is widely valued by industry for its ion-exchange properties in water filtration and agriculture.
Is this clinoptilolite-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 clinoptilolite-na with a known reference. Clinoptilolite-Na 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-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinoptilolite-Na typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray, yellow, red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular, massive.
Often confused with
Clinoptilolite-Na vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinoptilolite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinoptilolite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,Ca)₂(Si₂₈Al₈)O₇₂·20H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Industrial, Collector, Agricultural
- Host rock
- Volcanic Cavities, Sedimentary Tuffs
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find clinoptilolite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- USA
- Japan
- Italy
- Iceland
- Hungary
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic cavities, sedimentary tuffs country — that is the host setting where clinoptilolite-na typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, chabazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinoptilolite-na?+
Where is clinoptilolite-na found?+
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What rocks look like clinoptilolite-na?+
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Find clinoptilolite-na on the map
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