Tschörtnerite is a rare and complex zeolite mineral known for its striking dodecahedral crystal habit. It is found primarily within the cavities of alkaline volcanic rocks in the Eifel region of Germany, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZeolite Group family

Tschörtnerite

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

Is this tschörtnerite?

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 tschörtnerite with a known reference. Tschörtnerite 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. Tschörtnerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tschörtnerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tschörtnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Cu₃K₆Sr₂Ba₂[Al₂₄Si₂₄O₉₆]·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find tschörtnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Eifel volcanic field, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where tschörtnerite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, chabazite, phillipsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tschörtnerite?+

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

Where is tschörtnerite found?+

Notable localities include Eifel volcanic field, Germany.

How much is tschörtnerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like tschörtnerite?+

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

What minerals are found with tschörtnerite?+

Tschörtnerite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Chabazite, Phillipsite, Gismondine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tschörtnerite form in?+

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

What is tschörtnerite used for?+

Tschörtnerite is used in collector.

Find tschörtnerite on the map

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