Stellerite
A variety of Minerals
What is Stellerite?
Stellerite is a rare mineral discovered by and named after Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German explorer and zoologist. The mineral has a general formula of Ca[Al2Si7O18]·7H2O. Like most rare minerals, there are few commercial uses for stellerite. Mineral collectors are lucky to find it in good enough crystal form. Zeolites, including stellerite, have been studied using a dehydration process to gauge the potential use of their phases as molecular sieves, sorbents, and catalysts.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Stellerite 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.
Stellerite Localities Map
See where Stellerite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Stellerite
Stellerite is an anisotropic mineral, meaning that it has different properties in different directions-such as indices of refraction-when light passes through it. A refractive index (n) measures the speed of light in a substance—or in the case of mineralogy—in a mineral. It is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a mineral. Stellerite has three indices of refraction because it is a biaxial mineral.
Formation of Stellerite
Stellerite lines cavities and fracture surfaces in volcanic rocks altered by hydrothermal solutions. Great examples of Stellerite are on Copper Island, Commander Islands (also discovered by Georg Steller), Bering Sea and at Klichka, Chita region, Siberia, Russia. In the United States, it is located at Ritter Hot Springs, Grant County, Oregon; on Hook Mountain, Rockland County, New York; and at Fanwood, Union County, New Jersey. Large crystals have been found in Australia around Gunnedah, New South Wales, and at Harcourt, Dookie, and Corop, Victoria.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless to white, pink, orange
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca4(Si28Al8)O72 · 28H2O
- Elements
- Al, Ca, H, O, Si
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Stellerite FAQs
How do I identify Stellerite?
Stellerite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless to white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Stellerite?
Stellerite typically appears in Colourless to white, pink, orange. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Stellerite?
Stellerite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of stellerite of Stellerite?
Stellerite is an anisotropic mineral, meaning that it has different properties in different directions-such as indices of refraction-when light passes through it. A refractive index (n) measures the speed of light in a substance—or in the case of mineralogy—in a mineral. It is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a mineral. Stellerite has three indices of refraction because it is a biaxial mineral.
What is the formation of stellerite of Stellerite?
Stellerite lines cavities and fracture surfaces in volcanic rocks altered by hydrothermal solutions. Great examples of Stellerite are on Copper Island, Commander Islands (also discovered by Georg Steller), Bering Sea and at Klichka, Chita region, Siberia, Russia. In the United States, it is located at Ritter Hot Springs, Grant County, Oregon; on Hook Mountain, Rockland County, New York; and at Fanwood, Union County, New Jersey. Large crystals have been found in Australia around Gunnedah, New South Wales, and at Harcourt, Dookie, and Corop, Victoria.
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