Mohs 5–5.5
Vickers (~) 540 HV
Knoop (~) 620 HK
Geological setting
Volcanic
Element composition by mass
Formula: NaAlSi₂O₆·H₂O · molar mass: 220.15 g/mol
| O | 50.87% | |
| Si | 25.51% | |
| Al | 12.26% | |
| Na | 10.44% | |
| H | 0.92% |
Computed from atomic weights (IUPAC 2021). Site-occupancy groups (Fe,Mn) split equally.
Mohs Hardness
5–5.5
Analcime sits at 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale — can be scratched by a steel knife.
Colors:
Streak
White
White
Crystal system
Isometric (Cubic)
Isometric (Cubic)
SilicatesSilicates (Tectosilicates — Zeolites)
TL;DR · 1 min read
Analcime (NaAlSi₂O₆·H₂O) is a sodium zeolite forming distinctive trapezohedral (24-sided) crystals — one of the diagnostic "cube-like" zeolites. Named from Greek "analkis" (weak) for its pyroelectric properties.
Analcime (NaAlSi₂O₆·H₂O) is a sodium zeolite forming distinctive trapezohedral (24-sided) crystals — one of the diagnostic “cube-like” zeolites. Named from Greek “analkis” (weak) for its pyroelectric properties. Mt. Saint-Hilaire (Quebec) and Croft Quarry (England) yield iconic specimens. Forms in alkaline igneous rocks and basalt vesicles.
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