Paulingite-Ca is a complex and highly sought-after zeolite species characterized by its intricate cubic crystal structures. Collectors typically find these as tiny, sharp rhombic dodecahedrons lining cavities in basaltic rocks, often requiring magnification for full appreciation of their geometric perfection.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Paulingite-Ca

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this paulingite-ca?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch paulingite-ca with a known reference. Paulingite-Ca sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paulingite-Ca leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paulingite-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: rhombic dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Paulingite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside paulingite-ca

Minerals reported to co-occur with paulingite-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Na,K)₁₀₀(Si,Al)₃₈₄O₇₆₈·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Rhombic Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Vesicles in Basaltic or Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find paulingite-ca

Classic worldwide localities

Varennes, Quebec, Canada
Rjukan, Norway
Columbia River Basalt Group, USA
Teigarhorn, Iceland

Field-hunting tip

Look in vesicles in basaltic or alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where paulingite-ca typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, thomsonite, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombic dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paulingite-ca?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is paulingite-ca found?+

Notable localities include Varennes, Quebec, Canada; Rjukan, Norway; Columbia River Basalt Group, USA; Teigarhorn, Iceland.

How much is paulingite-ca worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like paulingite-ca?+

Paulingite-Ca is most often confused with Analcite, Chabazite, Phillipsite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paulingite-ca?+

Paulingite-Ca commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Thomsonite, Heulandite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paulingite-ca form in?+

Paulingite-Ca typically forms in vesicles in basaltic or alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paulingite-ca used for?+

Paulingite-Ca is used in collector.

Find paulingite-ca on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.