5 Photos
Wairakite
Species	Silicates
Crystal System	Monoclinic
Mohs Scale	5-6
Color	Colorless to white
Streak	White
Luster	Vitreous, Dull
Refractive Index	n = 1.498 n = 1.502
Diaphaneity	Transparent, Translucent
Cleavage	Distinct/GoodDistinct on the
Fracture	Conchoidal

Wairakite is a zeolite mineral with an analcime structure but containing a calcium ion. The chemical composition is Ca₈(Al₁₆Si₃₂O₉₆)*16H₂O. It is named for the location of its discovery in North Island, New Zealand, by Alfred Steiner in 1955. The mineral has since been found in metamorphic rocks and in geothermal areas. It was most likely first successfully synthesized in a laboratory in 1970.