Walkerite is a distinct, pink-colored fibrous variety of pectolite found primarily in the traprock quarries of New Jersey. It is highly valued by local collectors for its rich color and characteristic radial or spray-like habit within basaltic cavities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePectolite family

Walkerite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this walkerite?

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 walkerite with a known reference. Walkerite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Walkerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Walkerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: fibrous.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pectolite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Walkerite and vitreous to silky on Pectolite.

Often found alongside walkerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Fibrous
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: Trap Rock Quarries
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find walkerite

Classic worldwide localities

New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in trap rock quarries country — that is the host setting where walkerite typically forms. If you start seeing prehnite, datolite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify walkerite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, reddish-pink.

Where is walkerite found?+

Notable localities include New Jersey, USA.

How much is walkerite worth?+

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

What rocks look like walkerite?+

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

What minerals are found with walkerite?+

Walkerite commonly co-occurs with Prehnite, Datolite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does walkerite form in?+

Walkerite typically forms in trap rock quarries. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is walkerite used for?+

Walkerite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find walkerite on the map

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