Zektzerite is a rare lithium sodium zirconium silicate typically found in miarolitic cavities within alkaline rocks. It most commonly appears as colorless or pale pinkish tabular crystals that may be confused with quartz, but its specific density and chemical composition distinguish it.
Is this zektzerite?
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 zektzerite with a known reference. Zektzerite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zektzerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zektzerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pink, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, striated crystals.
Often confused with
Zektzerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zektzerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zektzerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- LiNaZrSi₆O₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Striated Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find zektzerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Washington (USA)
- Madagascar
- Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zektzerite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, striated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zektzerite?+
Where is zektzerite found?+
How much is zektzerite worth?+
What rocks look like zektzerite?+
What minerals are found with zektzerite?+
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Find zektzerite on the map
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