Zeolites are a group of over 50 hydrated aluminosilicate minerals known for their unique porous framework structure. They are most commonly found lining amygdaloidal cavities in basaltic volcanic rocks, often forming beautiful radiating crystal sprays. Collectors prize them for their diverse crystal habits, though individual species identification frequently requires professional laboratory analysis.
Is this zeolite?
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 zeolite with a known reference. Zeolite sits at Mohs 3.5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zeolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zeolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, pink, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: variable. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, acicular, radiating sprays, massive.
Often confused with
Zeolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zeolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zeolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mₓ/n(AlO₂)ₓ(SiO₂)y·mH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-5.5
- Density
- 2.0-2.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Variable
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Acicular, Radiating Sprays, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect to Distinct
- Fluorescence
- Often Fluorescent Under UV
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Industrial, Water Softener
- Host rock
- Volcanic Igneous Rocks, Basaltic Cavities
- Typical price
- $5-50 for small specimens, $100+ for large display pieces
Where rockhounds find zeolite
6 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- India
- Iceland
- USA (New Jersey)
- Italy
- Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic igneous rocks, basaltic cavities country — that is the host setting where zeolite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, apophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, acicular, radiating sprays, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find zeolite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
