Edenite is a magnesium-rich member of the calcic amphibole group, typically occurring in metamorphosed carbonate rocks. It is most recognized for its short, prismatic to blocky crystal habit and distinct green or brownish coloring, and it is named after its type locality in Edenville, New York.
Is this edenite?
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 edenite with a known reference. Edenite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Edenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Edenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, brown, white, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Edenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside edenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with edenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₂Mg₅(Si₇Al)O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Short Prismatic Crystals, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Limestone and Skarns
- Typical price
- $10-60 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find edenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Edenville, New York, USA
- Pargas, Finland
- Grenville Province, Canada
- Kondyor Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed limestone and skarns country — that is the host setting where edenite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find edenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
