Calcium zeolite forming delicate spray-like clusters of needle-shaped crystals. Popular mineral specimen from India. Color: White, colorless. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Hardness: 5-5.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: CaAl₂Si₃O₁₀·3H₂O. Specific gravity: 2.16-2.40. Formation: Forms in cavities in basaltic lavas alongside other zeolites from calcium-rich hydrothermal fluids. Common geological settings: India Pune region , Iceland, Brazil; found in basalt vesicles. Common look-alikes and related entries: Natrolite, Mesolite, Aragonite.
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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.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:48.113445+00:00
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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.
Calcium zeolite forming delicate spray-like clusters of needle-shaped crystals. Popular mineral specimen from India.
How can you identify Scolecite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, colorless; lustre: Vitreous to silky; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 5-5.5; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Scolecite form?
Forms in cavities in basaltic lavas alongside other zeolites from calcium-rich hydrothermal fluids.
Where is Scolecite commonly found?
India Pune region , Iceland, Brazil; found in basalt vesicles.
What is Scolecite commonly confused with?
Scolecite may be confused with Natrolite, Mesolite, Aragonite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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