Parthéite is a rare calcium-rich zeolite typically found as small, platy, or radiating crystals within hydrothermal veins. It is most easily identified by its occurrence in specific geological environments alongside other calcium-bearing zeolites and minerals like prehnite.
Is this parthéite?
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 parthéite with a known reference. Parthéite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parthéite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parthéite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals or radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Parthéite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parthéite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parthéite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Al₄Si₄O₁₅(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals or Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find parthéite
Classic worldwide localities
- Aurion, Turkey
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Garrucha, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where parthéite typically forms. If you start seeing prehnite, gismondine, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals or radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is parthéite worth?+
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Find parthéite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
