Ferrierite-Mg is a rare zeolite mineral typically found in volcanic basalt cavities as delicate, pearly-white to colored sprays or radiating blades. Collectors primarily search for it in amygdules where it forms distinct, sharp, platy crystal clusters associated with other secondary minerals like calcite and analcime.
Is this ferrierite-mg?
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 ferrierite-mg with a known reference. Ferrierite-Mg sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrierite-Mg leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrierite-Mg typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow, pink, red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radiating clusters, sprays, platy.
Often confused with
Ferrierite-Mg vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrierite-mg
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrierite-mg. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Na₂,K₂)₃Si₁₈Al₆O₄₈·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radiating Clusters, Sprays, Platy
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Basaltic Volcanic Cavities and Amygdules
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find ferrierite-mg
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
- Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy
- Santa Monica Mountains, California, USA
- Hokkaido, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic volcanic cavities and amygdules country — that is the host setting where ferrierite-mg typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radiating clusters, sprays, platy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrierite-mg?+
Where is ferrierite-mg found?+
How much is ferrierite-mg worth?+
What rocks look like ferrierite-mg?+
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Find ferrierite-mg on the map
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