$295Median
5Sold (12 mo)
$175Last sale
Xonotlite specimens for sale
3 for sale · $250–$6,500 USD
9 in the gallery
Xonotlite is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral that forms in fibrous to platy crystals. It typically appears colorless to white, with a pale sheen and a somewhat silky to vitreous luster when well crystallized. The mineral often grows in slender, thread-like or radiating aggregates that reflect light along their fine, needle-like prisms, characteristic of its elongated crystal habit.
- Formula
- Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Silicate, inosilicate; xonotlite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.71–2.72
- Luster
- vitreous, silky
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- colorless, white, gray, pink
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- acicular, fibrous, radiating, massive
Buy Xonotlite specimens
View all 3Where Xonotlite is found
Top localities
- N'Chwaning II Mine4 specimens
- Wessels Mine2 specimens
- Franklin Mine1 specimen
- N'Chwaning III Mine1 specimen
About Xonotlite
Notable localities include South Africa and the United States, where xonotlite has been reported in hydrothermal veins and skarn environments associated with calcium-rich systems. Collectors prize specimens that display well-formed fibers or sprays, which can contrast nicely with associated minerals, highlighting its delicate crystallography. The rarity of pristine xonotlite crystals adds to its appeal, as does its association with other rare silicates in complex mineral assemblages. As a mineral with a defined chemical composition and distinct habit, xonotlite offers both aesthetic and scientific interest for museum displays and mature mineral cabinets.
