Shosanbetsuite is a rare member of the zeolite family, specifically identified from its type locality in Hokkaido, Japan. It typically presents as distinct tabular crystal aggregates formed within volcanic host rocks and is highly prized by zeolite collectors for its specific structural characteristics.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareStilbite Group family

Shosanbetsuite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this shosanbetsuite?

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 shosanbetsuite with a known reference. Shosanbetsuite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shosanbetsuite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shosanbetsuite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Shosanbetsuite and vitreous to pearly on Heulandite.

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Often found alongside shosanbetsuite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₄₋₅(Si₂₇Al₉)O₇₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find shosanbetsuite

Classic worldwide localities

Shosanbetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where shosanbetsuite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, zeolites in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shosanbetsuite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow, brown.

Where is shosanbetsuite found?+

Notable localities include Shosanbetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

How much is shosanbetsuite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like shosanbetsuite?+

Shosanbetsuite is most often confused with Stilbite, Heulandite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shosanbetsuite?+

Shosanbetsuite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Zeolites. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shosanbetsuite form in?+

Shosanbetsuite typically forms in volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shosanbetsuite used for?+

Shosanbetsuite is used in collector.

Find shosanbetsuite on the map

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