Flörkeite is a very rare zeolite group mineral primarily found in volcanic cavities within basaltic rocks in the Eifel region of Germany. It typically appears as small, white to colorless prismatic crystals and is frequently associated with other zeolites like phillipsite and chabazite.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarePhillipsite Group family

Flörkeite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this flörkeite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch flörkeite with a known reference. Flörkeite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Flörkeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Flörkeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Flörkeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside flörkeite

Minerals reported to co-occur with flörkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Na,Ca)₃(Si,Al)₈O₁₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 2.17 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Vesicles in Basaltic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 micro/thumbnail

Where rockhounds find flörkeite

Classic worldwide localities

Mayen, Germany
Eifel region, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic vesicles in basaltic rocks country — that is the host setting where flörkeite typically forms. If you start seeing phillipsite, chabazite, thomsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify flörkeite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is flörkeite found?+

Notable localities include Mayen, Germany; Eifel region, Germany.

How much is flörkeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 micro/thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like flörkeite?+

Flörkeite is most often confused with Phillipsite, Harmotome. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with flörkeite?+

Flörkeite commonly co-occurs with Phillipsite, Chabazite, Thomsonite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does flörkeite form in?+

Flörkeite typically forms in volcanic vesicles in basaltic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is flörkeite used for?+

Flörkeite is used in collector.

Find flörkeite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.