Scolecite

Scolecite is a member of the zeolite group and creates gorgeous sprays of radial crystals which are beloved by collectors.

Scolecite is typically white, pink, or colourless and is found around the world, particularly in Iceland, India, and the United States.

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Appearance, Uses and History

Scolecite is perfect as a mineral specimen, as its unusual crystal formations are beloved by collectors.

Excellent specimens occur in sprays of fine, needle like crystals, and a few other extremely interesting formations.

There are a range of uses for zeolites, including in industry, but not necessarily for scolecite. It is primarily a collectors mineral.

Locales

Scolecite is found in a wide range of locales, with excellent specimens from Brazil, India, Iceland, the UK, and the USA.

Mineralogy

Chemistry
A member of the Zeolite group – a hydrous calcium aluminium silicate with the formula CaAl2Si3O10 – 3H20.
Colours and Variations
Colourless, white, pink, salmon, pale green.
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Irregular / uneven
Transparency
Transparent to opaque.
Crystal habit
Thin prismatic needles, radiating, and fibrous masses.
Mohs hardness
5.0 – 5.5
Specific Gravity
2.16 – 2.40
Easiest testing method
Extremely difficult to distinguish from Natrolite.
Common Treatments

Hazards and Warnings

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

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  • escolecite

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Russian:

  • сколецит

French:

  • scolécite

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  • escolecita

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Further Reading / External Links