Davyne is a rare member of the cancrinite group, primarily found as prismatic crystals or granular masses within alkaline volcanic rocks. It is most famous for its occurrence in the ejecta of Mount Vesuvius, where it forms in association with other feldspathoid minerals. Collectors should look for its distinctive hexagonal symmetry and association with the silica-undersaturated volcanic environments.
Is this davyne?
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 davyne with a known reference. Davyne sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Davyne leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Davyne typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Davyne vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside davyne
Minerals reported to co-occur with davyne. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(Cl,CO₃,SO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.4-2.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On Prism Faces
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Volcanic Ejecta
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find davyne
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Vesuvius, Italy
- Somma-Vesuviana, Italy
- Laacher See, Germany
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where davyne typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sanidine, pyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find davyne on the map
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