Ferrierite-NH4 is a rare member of the zeolite group where ammonium cations occupy the structural sites. It typically occurs as small platy or fibrous crystals lining cavities in volcanic rocks and is best identified through professional analytical techniques due to its resemblance to other zeolites.
Is this ferrierite-nh4?
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-nh4 with a known reference. Ferrierite-NH4 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-NH4 leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrierite-NH4 typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, or fibrous masses.
Often confused with
Ferrierite-NH4 vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrierite-nh4
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrierite-nh4. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (NH₄)₃Mg₂Si₃₁Al₇O₇₂·23H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 2.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Or Fibrous Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Vesicles in Basaltic or Andesitic Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on quality and size
Where rockhounds find ferrierite-nh4
Classic worldwide localities
- Gunnison County, Colorado, USA
- Agoura, California, USA
- Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in vesicles in basaltic or andesitic volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where ferrierite-nh4 typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, analcime, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, or fibrous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrierite-nh4?+
Where is ferrierite-nh4 found?+
How much is ferrierite-nh4 worth?+
What rocks look like ferrierite-nh4?+
What minerals are found with ferrierite-nh4?+
What kind of rock does ferrierite-nh4 form in?+
What is ferrierite-nh4 used for?+
Find ferrierite-nh4 on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
