Faujasite is a rare zeolite mineral that forms distinct, sharp octahedral crystals in cavities of volcanic rocks. It is highly valued by collectors for its geometric precision, though it is often found in very small, microscopic sizes. It typically occurs as an alteration product in phonolitic and basaltic environments.
Is this faujasite-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 faujasite-na with a known reference. Faujasite-Na sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Faujasite-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Faujasite-Na typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Faujasite-Na vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside faujasite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with faujasite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na₂,Ca,Mg)₃.₅[Al₇Si₁₇O₄₈]·32H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 1.92 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Volcanic Rocks and Basaltic Cavities
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find faujasite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Kaiserstuhl, Germany
- Sasbach, Germany
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline volcanic rocks and basaltic cavities country — that is the host setting where faujasite-na typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, augite, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.





