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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, reddish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crystalline, tabular.
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
- Na₆(Si₃₀Al₆)O₇₂·20H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, tabular
- Cleavage
- {010}, perfect
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Industrial, Collector, Agricultural
- Host rock
- Formed by devitrification of volcanic glass, and in cavities in rhyolites and andesites
Where rockhounds find clinoptilolite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Agoura, Los Angeles Co., at Owens Lake, Inyo Co., and 10 km west of Hector, San Bernardino Co., California, USA
- Northwest of Bowie, Cochise Co., and near Wikieup, Mohave Co., Arizona, USA
- Cuchillo deposit, near Winston, Sierra Co., New Mexico, USA
- Agate Beach, Lincoln Co., Succor Creek, Malheur Co., and at Richardson Ranch, near Bend, Jefferson Co., Oregon, USA
- Western USA, as in Wyoming, at Mt. Hoodoo, Park Co.
- Kamloops Lake, near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed by devitrification of volcanic glass, and in cavities in rhyolites and andesites. If you start seeing zeolites, montmorillonite, hectorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinoptilolite-na?+
Where is clinoptilolite-na found?+
What rocks look like clinoptilolite-na?+
What minerals are found with clinoptilolite-na?+
What kind of rock does clinoptilolite-na form in?+
What is clinoptilolite-na used for?+
Find clinoptilolite-na on the map
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