mineral

Stilbite

Stilbite (Hydrated calcium sodium aluminum silicate, NaCa4[Al9Si27O72]·28H2O)

Hardness: 3.5–4 Mohs; Color: White, cream, or peach/light orange; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic with characteristic bowtie or sheaf-like aggregates; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction.

Hardness: 3
Color: White, cream, or peach/light orange
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a secondary mineral in volcanic rocks, specifically in the cavities (vesicles) of basalt or andesite, through hydrothermal activity at relatively low temperatures.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector's mineral and display specimen. Also used in industrial water filtration systems as a molecular sieve due to its zeolite structure.

Geological facts

Stilbite is a member of the zeolite group. Its name comes from the Greek word 'stilbein,' which means 'to shine,' referring to the pearly luster on its cleavage faces.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'bowtie' or 'wheat sheaf' crystal clusters and pearly luster. Commonly found in the Deccan Traps of India, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Collectors should avoid cleaning with acidic solutions which damage zeolites.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock