Willhendersonite is a rare potassium-calcium zeolite typically found in the vesicles of basaltic rocks. It is visually very similar to chabazite and often requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis for positive identification.
Is this willhendersonite?
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 willhendersonite with a known reference. Willhendersonite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Willhendersonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Willhendersonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: pseudo-rhombohedral crystals, often as complex intergrowths.
Often confused with
Willhendersonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside willhendersonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with willhendersonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Ca₂Al₆Si₆O₂₄·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-rhombohedral Crystals, Often as Complex Intergrowths
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Volcanic Rocks, Specifically in Amygdaloidal Cavities
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro-mounts or small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find willhendersonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Paterson, New Jersey, USA
- Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic volcanic rocks, specifically in amygdaloidal cavities country, the host setting where willhendersonite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, heulandite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-rhombohedral crystals, often as complex intergrowths habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify willhendersonite?+
Where is willhendersonite found?+
How much is willhendersonite worth?+
What rocks look like willhendersonite?+
What minerals are found with willhendersonite?+
What kind of rock does willhendersonite form in?+
What is willhendersonite used for?+
Find willhendersonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
