Okenite

A variety of Minerals

Rare
Okenite specimen

What is Okenite?

Okenite is a mineral that is most commonly found as small white "cotton ball" formations within geodes that contain an internal cavity filled with minerals. The clusters are composed of straight, thread thin, crystals that radiate outwards. The crystals within are so thin they look like tiny fibers. These clusters can make for very attractive mineral specimens for collectors.

Uses & Applications

Okenite has an unusual cotton-ball appearance, which makes it appealing from a decorative perspective, and thus may be collected. However, there are no common uses of it in the modern day. Due to its rarity and unique appearance, small hand samples of okenite are worth several hundred dollars.

Healing Properties

Okenite is often referred to as a stone of karmic grace. It is believed to help relieve an individual of guilt and bad karma from past lives. It is recommended to be used as part of meditation, to bring about self-forgiveness, and has even been used to put a person in touch with those who have passed over from this life.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Okenite 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.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Okenite Localities Map

See where Okenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Associated Chakras

Crown
Crown

Key Characteristics

Formation of Okenite

It was first described in 1828 for an occurrence at Disko Island, Greenland and named for German naturalist Lorenz Oken (1779–1851). Minerals associated with okenite include apophyllite, gyrolite, prehnite, chalcedony, goosecreekite and many of the mother zeolites. Okenite is found in India, mainly within the state of Maharashtra. Other localities include Bulla Island, Azerbaijan; Aranga, New Zealand; Chile; Ireland and Bordo Island in the Faroe Islands.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
White to slightly yellow, blue
Hardness (Mohs)
4.5 - 5
Density
2.33 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Pearly, Vitreous
Crystal System
Triclinic

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Ca10Si18O46 · 18H2O
Elements
Ca, H, O, Si

Also Known As

OkeniteDisclasite
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Okenite FAQs

How do I identify Okenite?

Okenite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 - 5 on the Mohs scale, White to slightly yellow color, Pearly, Vitreous luster, Triclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Okenite?

Okenite typically appears in White to slightly yellow, blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Okenite?

Okenite has a hardness of 4.5 - 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

What is the formation of okenite of Okenite?

It was first described in 1828 for an occurrence at Disko Island, Greenland and named for German naturalist Lorenz Oken (1779–1851). Minerals associated with okenite include apophyllite, gyrolite, prehnite, chalcedony, goosecreekite and many of the mother zeolites. Okenite is found in India, mainly within the state of Maharashtra. Other localities include Bulla Island, Azerbaijan; Aranga, New Zealand; Chile; Ireland and Bordo Island in the Faroe Islands.

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