Spadaite is a rare, hydrated magnesium silicate that typically appears in massive, waxy, or compact forms. It is most commonly found in cavities within igneous rocks or associated with serpentine and hydrothermal deposits.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSepiolite Group family

Spadaite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this spadaite?

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 spadaite with a known reference. Spadaite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Spadaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Spadaite typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, pink, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, compact, earthy.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sepiolite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Spadaite and dull on Sepiolite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Spadaite and pearly on Halloysite.

Compare →

Often found alongside spadaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MgSiO₃·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Red Pink Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Massive, Compact, Earthy
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $10-50 per specimen

Where rockhounds find spadaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Caledonia, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where spadaite typically forms. If you start seeing serpentine, calcite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, compact, earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify spadaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, pink, yellow.

Where is spadaite found?+

Notable localities include Kutná Hora, Czech Republic; Caledonia, Canada.

How much is spadaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like spadaite?+

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

What minerals are found with spadaite?+

Spadaite commonly co-occurs with Serpentine, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does spadaite form in?+

Spadaite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is spadaite used for?+

Spadaite is used in collector.

Find spadaite on the map

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