mineral
Scolecite
Scolecite (CaAl2Si3O10·3H2O)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 5-5.5 on Mohs scale, vitreous to silky luster, monoclinic crystal system, acicular or prismatic crystal habit, perfect cleavage, white to pale beige/brown, specific gravity ~2.27
Identified More mineral →
Explore Scolecite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 5-5.5 on Mohs scale, vitreous to silky luster, monoclinic crystal system, acicular or prismatic crystal habit, perfect cleavage, white to pale beige/brown, specific gravity ~2.27
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral in basaltic cavity spaces (geodes and vugs) through low-grade hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rocks. Commonly associated with other zeolites like stilbite and heulandite.
Uses & applications
Popular among mineral collectors for its aesthetic prismatic/fibrous crystals and as a metaphysical crystal.
Geological facts
The name scolecite comes from the Greek word 'skolex', meaning 'worm', because the mineral curls up like a worm when heated under a blowpipe flame.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its slender, elongated prismatic or radiating fibrous crystals, low density, and association with volcanic basalt cavities. Commonly found in India (Nashik, Pune), Iceland, and Brazil.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary