Lévyne-Ca is a rare calcium-dominant zeolite typically occurring as sharp, stepped rhombohedral crystals lining vesicles in basaltic rocks. Collectors prize it for its distinctive crystal morphology and complex twinned habits, which often resemble those of chabazite. It is most commonly found in regions of significant tertiary volcanic activity.
Is this lévyne-ca?
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 lévyne-ca with a known reference. Lévyne-Ca sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lévyne-Ca leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lévyne-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, reddish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, sometimes forming tabular or acute, stepped habits.
Often confused with
Lévyne-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lévyne-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with lévyne-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na₂,K₂)Al₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Sometimes Forming Tabular or Acute, Stepped Habits
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {1011}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vesicular Basaltic Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $15-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find lévyne-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Skye, Scotland
- Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Iceland
- Faroe Islands
- Victoria, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in vesicular basaltic volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where lévyne-ca typically forms. If you start seeing chabazite, thomsonite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, sometimes forming tabular or acute, stepped habits habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lévyne-ca?+
Where is lévyne-ca found?+
How much is lévyne-ca worth?+
What rocks look like lévyne-ca?+
What minerals are found with lévyne-ca?+
What kind of rock does lévyne-ca form in?+
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Find lévyne-ca on the map
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