Ferrierite-Na is a rare member of the zeolite group often found as delicate bladed, radiating sprays in the vesicles of altered basaltic rocks. Collectors prize it for its unique habit and association with other secondary zeolites in volcanic environments. Look for its characteristic pearly luster and tabular crystal morphology, typically associated with common zeolite minerals.
Is this ferrierite-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 ferrierite-na with a known reference. Ferrierite-Na sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrierite-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrierite-Na typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates, or tabular plates.
Often confused with
Ferrierite-Na vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ferrierite-Na and vitreous on Stilbite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ferrierite-Na and vitreous to pearly on Heulandite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ferrierite-Na and vitreous on Mordenite.
Often found alongside ferrierite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrierite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na₂,Mg,Ca,K₂)₃Al₆Si₃₀O₇₂·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 2.14-2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Or Tabular Plates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vesicular Basalt or Volcanic Cavities
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find ferrierite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
- Durkee, Oregon, USA
- Altoona, Washington, USA
- Montecchio Maggiore, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in vesicular basalt or volcanic cavities country — that is the host setting where ferrierite-na typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, chabazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates, or tabular plates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ferrierite-na on the map
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