Chabazite

Chabazite is a natural mineral in the zeolite group, a hydrated aluminosilicate that forms a three-dimensional framework of aluminum and silicon tetrahedra. The framework creates porous cages and channels that trap water molecules and host exchangeable cations, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium. These structural features give chabazite its characteristic ion-exchange and adsorption properties.

Crystallography and composition: Chabazite typically occurs as rhombohedral or pseudo-cubic crystals, often tabular or blocky in habit. It is usually colorless to white, but impurities can give shades of yellow, orange, or pink. The mineral has a vitreous luster, a Mohs hardness around 4, and a relatively low density compared with many silicates. As a zeolite, its defining attribute is a porous, aluminosilicate framework with water-filled channels that can be exchanged or removed with heating.

Occurrence and formation: Chabazite forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments associated with volcanic rocks, such as vesicular basalts and rhyolites, and in altered tuffs and other zeolitic zones. It is commonly found in the alteration products of volcanic ash and in veins where mineralizing fluids supply silica and aluminum in combination with alkali and alkaline-earth cations.

Uses and significance: In addition to its mineralogical interest, chabazite is valued as a natural zeolite for ion exchange and adsorption applications. Zeolites like chabazite are used in water softening, gas separation, catalysis supports, and environmental remediation. Natural crystals are collected for both industrial uses and mineral collecting.