Dachiardite-K is a rare member of the zeolite group often found as delicate, radiating, or sheaf-like crystal clusters. It is typically discovered in the amygdaloidal cavities of volcanic rocks alongside other zeolite species. Collectors look for its characteristic monoclinic crystal habit and its association with hydrothermal alteration products.
Is this dachiardite-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 dachiardite-k with a known reference. Dachiardite-K sits at Mohs 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: colorless, white aggregates.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: sheaf-like clusters, prismatic crystals, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Dachiardite-K vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dachiardite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with dachiardite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₄(Si₂₀Al₄)O₄₈·13H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.18 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessWhite aggregates
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Sheaf-like clusters, prismatic crystals, radiating aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the walls of opal-chalcedony veins cutting hydrothermally-altered volcanic rocks
Where rockhounds find dachiardite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- Elba, Italy
- Japan
- USA (Oregon)
- Canada (Nova Scotia)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the walls of opal-chalcedony veins cutting hydrothermally-altered volcanic rocks. If you start seeing dachiardite-ca, dachiardite-na, ferrierite-mg in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: sheaf-like clusters, prismatic crystals, radiating aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dachiardite-k?+
Where is dachiardite-k found?+
What rocks look like dachiardite-k?+
What minerals are found with dachiardite-k?+
What kind of rock does dachiardite-k form in?+
What is dachiardite-k used for?+
Find dachiardite-k on the map
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