Comparison · Minerals
Analcime vs Chabazite
Analcime and Chabazite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 5–5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Analcime and Chabazite
- Both sit near Mohs 5–5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in clear and pink, but Analcime also comes in gray and green and Chabazite also comes in red and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Analcime is Isometric, Chabazite is Trigonal.
Analcime vs Chabazite properties
| Property | Analcime | Chabazite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5–5.5 | 4–5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.24–2.29 | 2.05–2.15 |
| Crystal system | Isometric | Trigonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Gray, Pink, Pale green | White, Colorless, Pink, Red, Yellow |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Analcime and Chabazite trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Analcime
Analcime is a hydrated sodium aluminosilicate, NaAlSi2O6·H2O, and one of the few zeolites to crystallize in the isometric system rather than a lower-symmetry one. It typically forms trapezohedral crystals with twenty-four faces, giving specimens a distinctive rounded, many-sided appearance. Chemically it sits at the boundary between the zeolite and feldspathoid mineral groups.
About Chabazite
Chabazite is a calcium-bearing zeolite mineral with the general formula (Ca,Na2,K2)Al2Si4O12·6H2O, known for its distinctive pseudo-cubic rhombohedral crystals that superficially resemble cubes. It forms in cavities within basaltic and volcanic rocks where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate after the host lava cools, placing it among the classic zeolite minerals collected from vesicles in ancient lava flows. Its open, cage-like aluminosilicate framework allows it to absorb and exchange ions, a property shared with other zeolites and exploited in some industrial applications.
Analcime vs Chabazite FAQ
Is Analcime the same as Chabazite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5–5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Analcime from Chabazite?
Both sit near Mohs 5–5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in clear and pink, but Analcime also comes in gray and green and Chabazite also comes in red and yellow. Well-formed crystals give it away: Analcime is Isometric, Chabazite is Trigonal.
Which is harder, Analcime or Chabazite?
Analcime is harder: Mohs 5–5.5 against Mohs 4–5 for Chabazite.
Which is more valuable, Analcime or Chabazite?
Typical specimens of Analcime and Chabazite trade in a similar range, around $20.
