Paulingite-K is a rare and complex zeolite mineral known for its distinctive rhombic dodecahedral crystal habit. It is typically found lining cavities in basaltic rocks and requires magnification to appreciate its intricate geometric forms.
Is this paulingite-k?
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 paulingite-k with a known reference. Paulingite-K sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paulingite-K leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paulingite-K typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: rhombic dodecahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Paulingite-K vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paulingite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with paulingite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ca,Na,Ba)₁₀(Si,Al)₄₂O₈₄·34H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.05-2.07 g/cm³
- 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 Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find paulingite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- Old Man's Hat, Oregon, USA
- Varennes, Quebec, Canada
- Sinkiang, China
- Iceland
Field-hunting tip
Look in vesicles in basaltic rocks country — that is the host setting where paulingite-k typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, heulandite, phillipsite 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-k?+
Where is paulingite-k found?+
How much is paulingite-k worth?+
What rocks look like paulingite-k?+
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Find paulingite-k on the map
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