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Pollucite
Pollucite is tectosilicate (zeolite group, cesium), (Cs,Na)₂Al₂Si₄O₁₂·2H₂O. In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs colorless and white. Nondescript glassy-white pegmatite filler hiding a secret: it is the world's main cesium ore, denser and tougher than the quartz and feldspar it mimics.
The geology.
Pollucite carries the formula (Cs,Na)₂Al₂Si₄O₁₂·2H₂O. It belongs to the isometric system. On paper it is tectosilicate (zeolite group, cesium).
It sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to greasy. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.7 to 3.0. The streak is white. It breaks with no cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Nondescript glassy-white pegmatite filler hiding a secret: it is the world's main cesium ore, denser and tougher than the quartz and feldspar it mimics.
Expect to see it as massive vein fillings in pegmatite, rare cubes/trapezohedra or faceted collector gems.
The origins.
Lithium-cesium pegmatites: Bernic Lake (Manitoba, Canada, world source), Maine (USA), Afghanistan, Italy (Elba).
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; faceted stones are specialist rarities.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, pollucite has little established lore; some modern writers assign it gentle 'release' themes.
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.
Nondescript glassy-white pegmatite filler hiding a secret: it is the world's main cesium ore, denser and tougher than the quartz and feldspar it mimics.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Quartz (massive) | Nearly identical by eye, pollucite is slightly denser and lacks any crystal striations; lab confirmation is routine |
| Albite | Feldspar flashes cleavage planes; pollucite breaks glassy-conchoidal |
| Calcite | Fizzes and far softer |
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 pollucite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Acid check | No cleavage flash, no fizz |
| By eye | Slightly heavier than quartz look-alikes |
| By eye | Pegmatite context beside spodumene and lepidolite |
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 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with no cleavage; conchoidal 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 (Cs,Na)₂Al₂Si₄O₁₂·2H₂O. Crystal system: Isometric. Specific gravity: 2.7 to 3.0. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: No cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Lithium-cesium pegmatites: Bernic Lake (Manitoba, Canada, world source), Maine (USA), Afghanistan, Italy (Elba).
What it gets confused with
Quartz (massive): Nearly identical by eye, pollucite is slightly denser and lacks any crystal striations; lab confirmation is routine. Albite: Feldspar flashes cleavage planes; pollucite breaks glassy-conchoidal. Calcite: Fizzes and far softer.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; faceted stones are specialist rarities.
One more thing
Atomic clocks run on cesium from pollucite, the definition of the second comes out of this plain white mineral.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Pollucite 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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