Stellerite is a distinct zeolite mineral that often forms beautiful, fan-shaped or radiating aggregates of tabular crystals. It is frequently found lining cavities in volcanic rocks and is often visually confused with stilbite, though it typically lacks the prominent sheaf-like curvature found in the latter.
Is this stellerite?
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 stellerite with a known reference. Stellerite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stellerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Stellerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, pinkish, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: radiating clusters, fan-shaped aggregates, tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Stellerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside stellerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with stellerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄(Al₈Si₂₈O₇₂)·28H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 2.12-2.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Radiating Clusters, Fan-shaped Aggregates, Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Cavities in Basalt and Andesite Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-150 thumbnail, $50-500 cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find stellerite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Commander Islands, Russia
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Cape Blomidon, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Iceland
- Skye, Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Look in cavities in basalt and andesite volcanic rocks country, the host setting where stellerite typically forms. If you start seeing heulandite, stilbite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radiating clusters, fan-shaped aggregates, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify stellerite?+
Where is stellerite found?+
Can I find stellerite in the United States?+
How much is stellerite worth?+
What rocks look like stellerite?+
What minerals are found with stellerite?+
What kind of rock does stellerite form in?+
What is stellerite used for?+
Find stellerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
