Parthéite
A variety of Minerals
What is Parthéite?
Partheite or parthéite is a calcium aluminium silicate and a member of the zeolite group of minerals, a group of silicates with large open channels throughout the crystal structure, which allow passage of liquids and gasses through the mineral. It was first discovered in 1979 in rodingitic dikes in an ophiolite zone of the Taurus Mountains in southwest Turkey. The second discovery occurred in gabbro-pegmatites in the Ural Mountains, Russia. Since its discovery and naming, the chemical formula for partheite has been revised from CaAl2Si2O8•2H2O to include not only water but hydroxyl groups as well. The framework of the mineral is interrupted due to these hydroxyl groups attaching themselves to aluminum centered oxygen tetrahedra. This type of interrupted framework is known in only one other zeolite, the mineral roggianite. As a silicate based mineral with the properties of a zeolite, partheite was first described as zeolite-like in 1984 and listed as a zeolite in 1985. Partheite and lawsonite are polymorphs. Associated minerals include prehnite, thomsonite, augite, chlorite and tremolite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Parthéite 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.
Parthéite Localities Map
See where Parthéite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Parthéite
Partheite’s habit is fibrous and radial and is rarely found in distinct crystals. Depending on where it is found, partheite can have transparent a white color or dark blue color but has a white streak regardless of which specimen is used. It has a vitreous luster and cleavage plains at {100} {110} {010} with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. Its space group is C2/c with a = 21.59(3), b = 8.78(1), c = 9.31(2) Å. β = 91.55(2) and Z = 4. The mineral has not yet been found to twin.
Composition of Parthéite
Partheite is a calcium alumino-silicate with the chemical formula Ca2Al4Si4O15(OH)2∙4(H2O). This is a revised version of the formula reported initially as CaAl2Si2O8•2(H2O) that was determined using electron microprobe analysis. A new formula was necessary after structural analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure. This new formula fell within the error limits of the initial electron microprobe analysis performed after the mineral was discovered in 1979. Zeolites have alkali or alkai-earth ions bonded to the main alumino-silicate framework, as well as water molecules that take extra-framework spaces. Partheite is different from most zeolites in that it contains the extra hydroxide ions, but is still considered a zeolite by the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, colorless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 2.41 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca2(Si4Al4) O15 (OH)2•4H2O
- Elements
- Al, Ca, H, O, Si
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Parthéite FAQs
How do I identify Parthéite?
Parthéite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, White color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Parthéite?
Parthéite typically appears in White, colorless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Parthéite?
Parthéite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of parthéite of Parthéite?
Partheite’s habit is fibrous and radial and is rarely found in distinct crystals. Depending on where it is found, partheite can have transparent a white color or dark blue color but has a white streak regardless of which specimen is used. It has a vitreous luster and cleavage plains at {100} {110} {010} with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. Its space group is C2/c with a = 21.59(3), b = 8.78(1), c = 9.31(2) Å. β = 91.55(2) and Z = 4. The mineral has not yet been found to twin.
What is the composition of parthéite of Parthéite?
Partheite is a calcium alumino-silicate with the chemical formula Ca2Al4Si4O15(OH)2∙4(H2O). This is a revised version of the formula reported initially as CaAl2Si2O8•2(H2O) that was determined using electron microprobe analysis. A new formula was necessary after structural analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure. This new formula fell within the error limits of the initial electron microprobe analysis performed after the mineral was discovered in 1979. Zeolites have alkali or alkai-earth ions bonded to the main alumino-silicate framework, as well as water molecules that take extra-framework spaces. Partheite is different from most zeolites in that it contains the extra hydroxide ions, but is still considered a zeolite by the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association.
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