Quadridavyne is a rare member of the cancrinite group found primarily within volcanic ejecta of the Somma-Vesuvius region. Collectors typically identify it through its characteristic tetragonal prismatic crystal habit, which distinguishes it from the more common hexagonal davyne.
Is this quadridavyne?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch quadridavyne with a known reference. Quadridavyne sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Quadridavyne leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Quadridavyne typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Quadridavyne vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside quadridavyne
Minerals reported to co-occur with quadridavyne. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,Ca)₈(Si₆Al₆O₂₄)Cl₂(CO₃)
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ejected Volcanic Blocks in Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-specimen
Where rockhounds find quadridavyne
Classic worldwide localities
- Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejected volcanic blocks in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where quadridavyne typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sanidine, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find quadridavyne on the map
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