Pectolite identification and geology

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• Wollastonite
• Prehnite
• Chalcedony

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:37:36.234599+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Pectolite?

Sodium calcium inosilicate. The blue variety from the Dominican Republic, called larimar, is a valued gemstone.

How can you identify Pectolite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, gray, blue larimar; lustre: Vitreous to silky; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 5; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Triclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Pectolite form?

Forms in cavities in basaltic lavas from late-stage hydrothermal fluids.

Where is Pectolite commonly found?

Dominican Republic larimar , USA, Italy, Russia; found in basalt cavities.

What is Pectolite commonly confused with?

Pectolite may be confused with Wollastonite, Prehnite, Chalcedony. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.