4.8" Scolecite Crystal Spray with Apophyllite and Stilbite - India

This is an stunning specimen of large scolecite crystals that formed in association with zoned green apophyllite and peach stilbite. It was collected from Maharashtra, India. The crystals are in excellent, unbroken condition and not repaired like so many specimens from this locality.

Scolecite is a member of the zeolite group of minerals containing mainly aluminum and silicon compounds. They exhibit a slender crystal habit and are very brittle in nature. Scolecite is a transparent crystal that is typically colorless, but also shows up in light pinks and yellows. Its appearance is often confused with its close zeolite relative, natrolite. Scolecite commonly form columnar clusters (sprays) in association with other minerals such as heulandite, apophyllite, stilbite, epidote, and calcite.

Most scolecite is collected in the state of Maharashtra, India, though other localities include Elk Mountain in Washington tate. Crystal clusters are found lining cavities in igneous rock formations, usually granite, gneiss, or (specifically in India) basalt.

This specimen comes from the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province and one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, near the city of Pune in western India. As miners quarry for other materials or dig wells, they sometimes unearth large pockets of zeolites and other minerals in the volcanic rock.

Stilbite is probably the most common zeolite found in these deposits. Crystals often form flowery, bowtie. or hourglass-shaped structures and come in a variety of colors. Some of the most beautiful colorations are the pink or peach tints. While not a zeolite itself, apophyllite is almost always found associated with zeolites in the same pockets. It has two crystal habits: a rectangular prism capped by a steep four-sided pyramid, or a pseudo-cubic structure. While not a well-known mineral to the general public, it is popular among mineral collectors due to its pastel colors and beautiful crystal formations.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Scolecite, Apophyllite & Stilbite
LOCATION
Maharashtra, India
SIZE
4.8 x 2.8"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#177524