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 — that is 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.