Information about Stellerite

Stellerite is a rare member of the zeolite group, typically forming radiating spherical aggregates, sheaf-like aggregates, or tabular orthorhombic crystals.

Its colours range from colourless or white to subtle pinks, oranges, or pale yellows. It is transparent to translucent and has a vitreous to pearly lustre.

Uses and History

Due to its rarity, Stellerite has almost no industrial applications. Its primary value lies in mineral collections and academic studies of zeolite frameworks.

Laboratory research has explored its use in dehydration-based molecular sieves, sorbents, and catalysts, but frankly, I don’t understand any of that.

It is primarily of value to mineral collectors.

It was originally discovered by (and is named after) the German explorer and naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller. Stellerite was first identified on Medny Island (Komandorskie Islands, Russia)

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

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

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellerite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-3760.html