Scolecite is a beautiful member of the zeolite group, prized by collectors for its stunning, delicate, needle-like crystals that often form large, radiating white sprays. It is most frequently found filling amygdules in basaltic rocks, particularly in the Deccan Traps region of India. Collectors should handle specimens with care due to the fragile nature of the acicular clusters.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralcommonZeolite Group family

Scolecite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this scolecite?

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 scolecite with a known reference. Scolecite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scolecite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Scolecite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pink, salmon.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating clusters, fibrous sprays.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside scolecite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaAl₂Si₃O₁₀·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 2.16-2.29 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pink Salmon
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Clusters, Fibrous Sprays
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Specimen
Host rock: Basalt Cavities
Typical price: $10-150 depending on specimen size and cluster quality

Where rockhounds find scolecite

Classic worldwide localities

Nasik, India
Poona, India
Iceland
Khandivali, India
Aurillac, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in basalt cavities country — that is the host setting where scolecite typically forms. If you start seeing apophyllite, stilbite, heulandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating clusters, fibrous sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify scolecite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pink, salmon.

Where is scolecite found?+

Notable localities include Nasik, India; Poona, India; Iceland; Khandivali, India; Aurillac, France.

How much is scolecite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-150 depending on specimen size and cluster quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like scolecite?+

Scolecite is most often confused with Mesolite, Natrolite, Thomsonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with scolecite?+

Scolecite commonly co-occurs with Apophyllite, Stilbite, Heulandite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does scolecite form in?+

Scolecite typically forms in basalt cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is scolecite used for?+

Scolecite is used in collector, specimen.

Find scolecite on the map

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