Fluorapophyllite-(K) is a sought-after zeolitic mineral known for its excellent tetragonal crystal development and high luster. Collectors often find it as perfect, sharp, square-profile crystals coating basalt cavities, particularly in association with various zeolites.
Is this fluorapophyllite-(k)?
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 fluorapophyllite-(k) with a known reference. Fluorapophyllite-(K) sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorapophyllite-(K) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorapophyllite-(K) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, green, yellow, pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with square cross-sections, tabular, or bipyramidal.
Often confused with
Fluorapophyllite-(K) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluorapophyllite-(k)
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorapophyllite-(k). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCa₄(Si₈O₂₀)F·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 2.3-2.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals with Square Cross-sections, Tabular, Or Bipyramidal
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Decorative
- Host rock
- Basaltic Vugs and Cavities
- Typical price
- $10-150 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find fluorapophyllite-(k)
Classic worldwide localities
- India
- Germany
- Norway
- USA
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic vugs and cavities country — that is the host setting where fluorapophyllite-(k) typically forms. If you start seeing stilbite, heulandite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with square cross-sections, tabular, or bipyramidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorapophyllite-(k)?+
Where is fluorapophyllite-(k) found?+
How much is fluorapophyllite-(k) worth?+
What rocks look like fluorapophyllite-(k)?+
What minerals are found with fluorapophyllite-(k)?+
What kind of rock does fluorapophyllite-(k) form in?+
What is fluorapophyllite-(k) used for?+
Find fluorapophyllite-(k) on the map
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