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Chabazite
Chabazite is tectosilicate (zeolite), CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O. In the hand, it rates 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs colorless and white. Tiny glassy 'cubes' (actually slightly skewed rhombohedra) carpeting volcanic rock cavities, a zeolite that fakes being cubic. Basalt cavities: Nova Scotia (Canada), Oregon (USA), Iceland, Deccan Traps (India).
The geology.
Chabazite carries the formula CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O. It belongs to the trigonal (pseudo-cubic rhombohedra) system. On paper it is tectosilicate (zeolite).
It sits at 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.05 to 2.15. The streak is white. It breaks with indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture.
Tiny glassy 'cubes' (actually slightly skewed rhombohedra) carpeting volcanic rock cavities, a zeolite that fakes being cubic.
Expect to see it as little pseudo-cube rhombs lining basalt pockets or druzy crusts.
The origins.
Basalt cavities: Nova Scotia (Canada), Oregon (USA), Iceland, Deccan Traps (India).
On value, the database notes: inexpensive; cherry-red Nova Scotia pockets charm collectors.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, chabazite has little established lore; zeolites generally are linked with absorbing negativity.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Tiny glassy 'cubes' (actually slightly skewed rhombohedra) carpeting volcanic rock cavities, a zeolite that fakes being cubic.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Calcite | Calcite fizzes in vinegar; chabazite never does |
| Fluorite | Fluorite's cubes are true cubes with octahedral cleavage and more heft |
| Halite | Halite tastes salty and dissolves |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about chabazite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Acid check | No fizz |
| By eye | Pseudo-cubic rhombs with slightly off-square corners |
| By eye | Light in hand (SG ~2.1) |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O. Crystal system: Trigonal (pseudo-cubic rhombohedra). Specific gravity: 2.05 to 2.15. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Basalt cavities: Nova Scotia (Canada), Oregon (USA), Iceland, Deccan Traps (India).
What it gets confused with
Calcite: Calcite fizzes in vinegar; chabazite never does. Fluorite: Fluorite's cubes are true cubes with octahedral cleavage and more heft. Halite: Halite tastes salty and dissolves.
What it is worth
Inexpensive; cherry-red Nova Scotia pockets charm collectors.
One more thing
Like all zeolites chabazite is riddled with molecular channels, relatives of this crystal soften water and sieve gases industrially.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Chabazite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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