Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Natrolite vs Scapolite
Natrolite and Scapolite are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 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 Natrolite and Scapolite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in pink, yellow, and gray, but Natrolite also comes in clear and Scapolite also comes in white and purple.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Natrolite is orthorhombic, Scapolite is tetragonal.
Natrolite vs Scapolite properties
| Property | Natrolite | Scapolite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 6 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.25 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Pink, Yellow, Gray | White, Pink, Violet, Yellow, Gray |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $8–$250+ | $10–$500+ |
Which is more valuable?
Scapolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $45 for Natrolite, and premium Scapolite can reach $500 or more.
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.
About Scapolite
Scapolite is a group of tectosilicate minerals forming a solid solution between sodium-rich marialite and calcium-rich meionite. It occurs as prismatic crystals or massive material in white, pink, violet, and yellow tones, sometimes showing a cat's-eye effect when cut.
Natrolite vs Scapolite FAQ
Is Natrolite the same as Scapolite?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Natrolite from Scapolite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in pink, yellow, and gray, but Natrolite also comes in clear and Scapolite also comes in white and purple. Well-formed crystals give it away: Natrolite is orthorhombic, Scapolite is tetragonal.
Which is harder, Natrolite or Scapolite?
Scapolite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5.5 for Natrolite.
Which is more valuable, Natrolite or Scapolite?
Scapolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $45 for Natrolite, and premium Scapolite can reach $500 or more.
