9.2" Apophyllite, Stilbite and Heulandite on Chalcedony - India

This is a gorgeous association of colorless apophyllite, peach stilbite and large heulandite crystals that formed over a chalcedony encrusted matrix. Each crystal has some red-orange coloration to their exteriors, possibly a result of iron oxidation. This mineral association was collected from the Deccan Traps (the world largest basalt flow) in Maharashtra, India. It comes with an acrylic display stand.

This specimen comes from the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province and one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, in the Pune Province of western India. In the course of quarrying for other materials or digging wells, sometimes large pockets of zeolites and other minerals are unearthed in the volcanic rock.

Apophyllite, while not a zeolite itself, 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.

Stilbite is a tectosilicate mineral of the zeolite group that is commonly found in zeolite 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.

Heulandite is a mineral of the zeolite group that also fits within the silicate and tectosilicates groups. It has the general chemical formula (Ca,Na)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36 · 12H2O, but the calcium and sodium can be substituted by potassium, barium, or strontium ions. Heulandite crystals will often form as distinctive tabular, radiating crystals with a vitreous luster, and can display a variety of colors including white, green, brown, orange, red, pink, yellow, grey, and black.
FOR SALE
$745
DETAILS
SPECIES
Apophyllite, Stilbite, Heulandite & Chalcedony
LOCATION
Maharashtra, India
SIZE
9.2 x 6.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#173180