Pollucite
| Colour | Clear, White, Pink |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 to 7 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Isometric |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None observed |
| Fracture | Conchoidal to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 to 3.0 |
What is Pollucite?
Pollucite is a zeolite mineral with the formula (Cs,Na)2Al2Si4O12·2H2O with iron, calcium, rubidium and potassium as common substituting elements. It is important as a significant ore of caesium and sometimes rubidium. It forms a solid solution series with analcime. It crystallizes in the isometric-hexoctahedral crystal system as colorless, white, gray, or rarely pink and blue masses. Well-formed crystals are rare. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 and a specific gravity of 2.9, with a brittle fracture and no cleavage.
How to identify Pollucite
- Lustre: Vitreous to greasy.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.5 to 7 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Isometric crystal system.
Pollucite in different forms
Stones often confused with Pollucite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Pollucite?
Pollucite is Mohs 6.5 to 7 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Pollucite?
Pollucite is typically clear, white, pink (Usually colorless; also white, grey, pink, blue or violet).