Tschernichite is an exceptionally rare zeolite mineral that forms in the vesicles of volcanic rocks. It is most notably recognized by its delicate bladed or lath-like crystal habits which typically aggregate into radial sprays inside basalt cavities.
Is this tschernichite?
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 tschernichite with a known reference. Tschernichite 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. Tschernichite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tschernichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Tschernichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tschernichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tschernichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na,K)₃(Si,Al)₂₀O₄₀·15H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Vugs and Vesicles
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find tschernichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Goblin Knob, Washington, USA
- Skye, Scotland
- Mount Kolsas, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic vugs and vesicles country — that is the host setting where tschernichite typically forms. If you start seeing heulandite, stilbite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tschernichite?+
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How much is tschernichite worth?+
What rocks look like tschernichite?+
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Find tschernichite on the map
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