Dachiardite-Na is a member of the zeolite group often found as delicate, prismatic to lath-like crystals forming radial sheaves. It is highly valued by zeolite collectors for its aesthetic crystal arrangements in vugs and vesicles of basaltic rocks.
Is this dachiardite-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 dachiardite-na with a known reference. Dachiardite-Na 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, reddish orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular, bladed, divergent.
Often confused with
Dachiardite-Na vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dachiardite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with dachiardite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄(Si₂₀Al₄)O₄₈·13H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, bladed, divergent
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {1}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- Secondary mineral hydrothermally altered from calc-alkalic to alkalic volcanic and plutonic rocks
Where rockhounds find dachiardite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- From La Pallaccia and Orli di Fassa, Alpe di Siusi, Trentoin-Alto Adige, Italy (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Secondary mineral hydrothermally altered from calc-alkalic to alkalic volcanic and plutonic rocks. If you start seeing mordenite, heulandite, stilbite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, bladed, divergent. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dachiardite-na?+
Where is dachiardite-na found?+
What rocks look like dachiardite-na?+
What minerals are found with dachiardite-na?+
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Find dachiardite-na on the map
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