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, 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
How do you identify parthéite?+
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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.
