The facts
What analcime actually is
Mineralogically, analcime is analcime (zeolite group) — NaAlSi₂O₆·H₂O, crystallising in the cubic (often anomalously birefringent) system.
The colour is caused by colourless to white; pink tints from trace Fe. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.479–1.493 (near-isotropic), and the specific gravity sits near 2.22–2.29; cleavage is very poor {001}.
Where analcime comes from
The recognised sources are Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, Val di Fassa, Trentino, Italy, Cape Blomidon, Nova Scotia, Canada and Maharashtra, India.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How analcime is treated
Untreated. Crystals are typically well-formed trapezohedra; facetable transparent material is scarce and soft. Almost entirely a specimen mineral.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What analcime is confused with
The usual confusions are Leucite, Garnet (habit only), Quartz and Colourless fluorite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.479–1.493 (near-isotropic) and specific gravity 2.22–2.29 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What analcime is used for
Analcime is bought by mineral collecting and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the piece.
Durability and care
Analcime is 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale, with very poor {001} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What analcime costs
Indicative pricing for analcime is Specimen pricing.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is analcime treated, and how?
Untreated. Crystals are typically well-formed trapezohedra; facetable transparent material is scarce and soft. Almost entirely a specimen mineral.
Where does analcime come from?
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, Val di Fassa, Trentino, Italy, Cape Blomidon, Nova Scotia, Canada and Maharashtra, India. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is analcime hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does analcime cost?
Indicatively Specimen pricing. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is analcime confused with?
Most often Leucite, Garnet (habit only), Quartz and Colourless fluorite. A refractive index of 1.479–1.493 (near-isotropic) and a specific gravity near 2.22–2.29 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for analcime?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about analcime