Analcime, sometimes called Analcite, is a silica crystal.

Chemical Formula: NaAlSi2O6-H2O
Class: Zeolite
Hardness: 5-5.5
Coloration: Colorless, white, can have other tints.

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties: Analcime, sometimes called Analcite, is a silica crystal that contains water and grows some very interesting crystals. The crystals are not long and straight like many, but are instead almost circular, with forming a trapezohedrons. There are three, four-sided faces on each octahedron face, making 24 sides in total.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Coburg Quarry, OR. Land County, OR.
Other: Across the US, Scotland Ireland, Germany, France, Quebec.
Past Uses: Due to the high silica content, analcime is often used to create silica gel, the little spheres used to keep stuff dry you find in electronics and beef jerky packs.
How it was Made: Analcime forms in cavities and holes of volcanic and igneous rock.
Interesting Facts: Analcime has a weak electrical charge when heated or rubbed, and some examples are fluorescent.