Mordenite, Apophyllite and Stilbite

UNB-2017-0171Rocks » Igneous » Pegmatite

Description

Sample of pinkish, fibrous Mordenite entwined with green tabular subhedral Apophyllite and white blades of Stilbite. Vitreous lustre. Sample comes from a Pegmatite. Mordenite (Ca,Na2, K2)Al2Si10O24·7H2O ) can be white, colourless, yellowish or pinkish with a vitreous or silky lustre. Hardness is 3 to 4. Mordenite tends to occur as prismatic crystals, fine fibrous or compact forms. https://www.mindat.org/min-2779.html Apophyllite (KCa4Si8O20(F,OH) x 8H2O) can be colourless, white, grey, greenish, yellowish or reddish in colour with a vitreous lustre that is pearly on the cleavage. Streak is white and hardness is 4 1/2 to 5. Cleavage is perfect in one direction. Apophyllite usually occurs as cube-like or tabular in form. Stilbite (NaCa2Al5Si13O36 x 16H2O) can be white, greyish, yellowish, red or brown in colour. Lustre is vitreous and pearly on cleavage and streak is colourless. Hardness is 3 1/2 to 4 and cleavage is perfect in one direction. Stilbite tends to be bladed aggregates that forms "wheat sheaves" but can also be radial or globular.

Specifications

Object name Mordenite, Apophyllite and Stilbite
IDUNB-2017-0171
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryRock
Classification
Rock group:
Igneous
Sub-group:
Pegmatite
CompositionSilicates
OriginIndia
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 5.5cm x 3.5cm x 5cm

Map of Origin

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.