Amicite
A variety of Minerals
What is Amicite?
Amicite is a silicate mineral of the zeolite family. It has a general formula of K2Na2Al4Si4O16·5(H2O). Amicite was described in 1979 from specimens obtained at the Höwenegg quarry in Immendingen, Hegau, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, which is consequently its type locality. The name is in honor of Giovanni Battista Amici (1786–1863) a botanist, physicist, optician, and inventor of microscope optical elements.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Amicite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Amicite Localities Map
See where Amicite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Amicite
Amicite is monoclinic, so the crystallography has three axes of unequal length and the angles between two of the axes are 90 degrees and one is less than 90. Amicite is also pseudotetragonal with a=10.23, b=10.43, c=9.88, and d= 89, and belongs to the space group I2.It appears as small colorless crystals, formed by the rhombic prisms {110} and {001}, combined in such a way that the crystal appears to be a dipyramid. Amicite is classified as biaxial anisotropic so the velocity of light varies depending on direction through the mineral, as well as showing double refraction. The index of refraction is the geometric ratio of the angle of light entering the crystal (angle of incidence) over the angle the light is bent when it enters the crystal (angle of refraction). The index of refraction can be defined mathematically as n=velocity of light in a vacuum/velocity of light in the mineral. Amicite has three indices of refraction na=1.485, nb=1.490, nc=1.494. A minerals birefringence is defined as the difference between the highest and lowest index of refraction, amicite's birefringence is 0.009. Amicite is a zeolite mineral, the commercial uses of zeolites are a function its three distinct properties: absorption, ion exchange, and catalysis. Zeolites are also known for their ability to absorb and lose water without any effect on its crystal structure.
Formation of Amicite
Amicite is a very rare mineral, known only in four locations in the world, the type locality, the Vostochnyi and Kirovskii mines in the Chibiny massif, Murmansk region (Russia), where the largest known crystals come from, and also the quarry from Las Urracas, on the El Arzollar volcano, Campo de Calatrava (Ciudad Real). In addition to being poorly distributed, it is very scarce in the four locations mentioned.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colorless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- K2Na2Al4Si4O16 · 5H2O
- Elements
- Al, H, K, Na, O, Si
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Amicite FAQs
How do I identify Amicite?
Amicite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Colorless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Amicite?
Amicite typically appears in Colorless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Amicite?
Amicite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of amicite of Amicite?
Amicite is monoclinic, so the crystallography has three axes of unequal length and the angles between two of the axes are 90 degrees and one is less than 90. Amicite is also pseudotetragonal with a=10.23, b=10.43, c=9.88, and d= 89, and belongs to the space group I2.It appears as small colorless crystals, formed by the rhombic prisms {110} and {001}, combined in such a way that the crystal appears to be a dipyramid. Amicite is classified as biaxial anisotropic so the velocity of light varies depending on direction through the mineral, as well as showing double refraction. The index of refraction is the geometric ratio of the angle of light entering the crystal (angle of incidence) over the angle the light is bent when it enters the crystal (angle of refraction). The index of refraction can be defined mathematically as n=velocity of light in a vacuum/velocity of light in the mineral. Amicite has three indices of refraction na=1.485, nb=1.490, nc=1.494. A minerals birefringence is defined as the difference between the highest and lowest index of refraction, amicite's birefringence is 0.009. Amicite is a zeolite mineral, the commercial uses of zeolites are a function its three distinct properties: absorption, ion exchange, and catalysis. Zeolites are also known for their ability to absorb and lose water without any effect on its crystal structure.
What is the formation of amicite of Amicite?
Amicite is a very rare mineral, known only in four locations in the world, the type locality, the Vostochnyi and Kirovskii mines in the Chibiny massif, Murmansk region (Russia), where the largest known crystals come from, and also the quarry from Las Urracas, on the El Arzollar volcano, Campo de Calatrava (Ciudad Real). In addition to being poorly distributed, it is very scarce in the four locations mentioned.
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