Zaherite is a rare aluminum silicate hydrate mineral that typically forms as white, platy aggregates within hydrothermal veins. It is most recognized for its association with kaolinite-group minerals and its distinct pearly luster.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Zaherite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this zaherite?

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 zaherite with a known reference. Zaherite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zaherite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zaherite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Zaherite and dull on Kaolinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside zaherite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₁₂Si₅O₂₀(OH)₁₆·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.35 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zaherite

Classic worldwide localities

Zaher, Pakistan
Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where zaherite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, kaolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zaherite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale blue.

Where is zaherite found?+

Notable localities include Zaher, Pakistan; Czech Republic.

How much is zaherite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zaherite?+

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

What minerals are found with zaherite?+

Zaherite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Pyrite, Kaolinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zaherite form in?+

Zaherite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zaherite used for?+

Zaherite is used in collector.

Find zaherite on the map

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