Open Adit™ - Stilbite Datasheet

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Stilbite is a variety of tectosilicate called a zeolite. These minerals are a special class where the structure of the crystal contains large, connected voids that form straw-like channels. Stilbite, like many zeolites, is found in cavities in basalt formations. The name stilbite comes from the Greek word stilbo or "luster" because of its pearly appearance.

Chemistry:

NaCa₂Al₅Si₁₃O₃₆ -14H2O - Hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate

Class:

Silicates

Subclass:

Tectosilicates

Group:

Zeolite

Variety:

Stilbite

Crystal:

Monoclinic

Color:

Colorless, white, yellowish, pinkish, brown

Streak:

White

Luster:

Vitreous, locally pearly

Diaphaneity:

Transparent to translucent

2.2

3.5 - 4

Good

Uneven to conchoidal

Prismatic and tabular crystals, commonly complicated interpenetration twins and sheaf-like aggregates, granular, massive.

Luminescence:

Non-fluorescent

Frequency:

Abundant

Origin:

Hydrothermal in cavities in volcanic rocks, in the Alpine-type fissures, ore veins and sedimentary rocks, usually associated with calcite and other zeolites.

Occurence:

Pandulena Hill Quarries, India; Teigarhorn, Iceland; Faeroe Islands; West Paterson, New Jersey, USA.

Application:

Chemical filter and as a mineral specimen.

Mineral Gallery

Metaphysical Properties

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