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 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dachiardite-K leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dachiardite-K 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: 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
- (K,Na,Ca,Sr,Mg)₄-₅(Si,Al)₂₄O₄₈·13H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Sheaf-like Clusters, Prismatic Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Cavities in Igneous Rocks, Specifically Rhyolites and Basaltic Flows
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find dachiardite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- Elba, Italy
- Japan
- USA (Oregon)
- Canada (Nova Scotia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in cavities in igneous rocks, specifically rhyolites and basaltic flows country — that is the host setting where dachiardite-k typically forms. If you start seeing heulandite, stilbite, mordenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a sheaf-like clusters, prismatic crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dachiardite-k?+
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Find dachiardite-k on the map
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