Lévyne-Na is a member of the zeolite group typically found in the vesicles of basaltic rocks. It is best identified by its distinctive rhombohedral crystal habit, which often appears as thin, tabular, or complexly twinned crystals clustered in vugs.
Is this lévyne-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 lévyne-na with a known reference. Lévyne-Na 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-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lévyne-Na 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, often showing complex twinning and lamellar growths.
Often confused with
Lévyne-Na vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lévyne-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with lévyne-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na₂,Ca,K₂)₂Al₄Si₈O₂₄·11H₂O
- 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, Often Showing Complex Twinning and Lamellar Growths
- Cleavage
- Good On {1011}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Lava Cavities
- Typical price
- $15-80 for typical specimens
Where rockhounds find lévyne-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Northern Ireland
- Iceland
- Faroe Islands
- India
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic lava cavities country — that is the host setting where lévyne-na typically forms. If you start seeing chabazite, phillipsite, thomsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, often showing complex twinning and lamellar growths habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lévyne-na?+
Where is lévyne-na found?+
How much is lévyne-na worth?+
What rocks look like lévyne-na?+
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Find lévyne-na on the map
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