Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Apophyllite vs Natrolite
Apophyllite and Natrolite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, 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 Apophyllite and Natrolite
- Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Apophyllite is Transparent to translucent, Natrolite is transparent.
- They overlap in clear, pink, and yellow, but Apophyllite also comes in green and Natrolite also comes in gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Apophyllite is Tetragonal, Natrolite is orthorhombic.
Apophyllite vs Natrolite properties
| Property | Apophyllite | Natrolite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 4.5–5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.3–2.4 | 2.25 |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Green, Pink, Pale yellow | Colorless, White, Pink, Yellow, Gray |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $8–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Natrolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $45 against $20 for Apophyllite, and premium Natrolite can reach $250 or more.
About Apophyllite
Apophyllite is the common name for a small group of hydrated potassium calcium silicates, most often KCa4Si8O20(F,OH)·8H2O, crystallizing in the tetragonal system. It typically grows as glassy, pseudo-cubic or pyramidal crystals lining cavities in basaltic lava. The name comes from the Greek for 'to leaf away,' describing how the mineral flakes when heated, losing its water of crystallization.
About Natrolite
Natrolite is a sodium-rich zeolite mineral that forms delicate, slender prismatic crystals, often gathered into radiating sprays. It typically occurs in cavities of basalt and is valued by collectors for its needle-like sprays.
Apophyllite vs Natrolite FAQ
Is Apophyllite the same as Natrolite?
No. Apophyllite is a mineral while Natrolite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Apophyllite from Natrolite?
Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Apophyllite is Transparent to translucent, Natrolite is transparent. They overlap in clear, pink, and yellow, but Apophyllite also comes in green and Natrolite also comes in gray.
Which is harder, Apophyllite or Natrolite?
Natrolite is harder: Mohs 5.5 against Mohs 4.5–5 for Apophyllite.
Which is more valuable, Apophyllite or Natrolite?
Natrolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $45 against $20 for Apophyllite, and premium Natrolite can reach $250 or more.
