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.
Is this walkerite?
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 walkerite with a known reference. Walkerite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Walkerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Walkerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: fibrous.
Often confused with
Walkerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 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, 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?+
Where is walkerite found?+
How much is walkerite worth?+
What rocks look like walkerite?+
What minerals are found with walkerite?+
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What is walkerite used for?+
Find walkerite on the map
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