Dachiardite-Ca is a rare zeolite mineral that forms delicate, bladed crystals, often in sheaf-like bundles similar to stilbite. It is primarily found in cavities within volcanic host rocks where hydrothermal fluids have facilitated its growth. Collectors prize it for its unique habit and the challenge of finding well-formed, distinct specimens.
Is this dachiardite-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 dachiardite-ca with a known reference. Dachiardite-Ca 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. Dachiardite-Ca leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dachiardite-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates, sheaf-like groups.
Often confused with
Dachiardite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dachiardite-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with dachiardite-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)₄(Si₂₀Al₄)O₄₈·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Sheaf-like Groups
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Rhyolites and Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find dachiardite-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Elba, Italy
- Japan
- USA
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in rhyolites and volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where dachiardite-ca typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, heulandite, mordenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates, sheaf-like groups habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dachiardite-ca?+
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Find dachiardite-ca on the map
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