APOPHYLITE, STILBITE, ZEOLITE

Apophyllite – a natural mineral from India
Apophyllite is a group of silicates with the chemical formula KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O, characterized by clear, white or green crystals. It is often found on a zeolite substrate, especially together with stilbite.

Apophyllite deposits
The most famous deposits are in India (mainly the state of Maharashtra), where large and aesthetic druses sought after by collectors all over the world come from.

History and uses of apophyllite
Apophyllite is valued primarily as a collector's and decorative mineral. Thanks to its transparent and shiny crystals, it is also sought after for interiors as a natural decoration.

Apophyllite Identification

Chemical Formula: KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O

Color: clear, white, green

Crystal System: tetragonal

Hardness: 4.5 – 5 (Mohs scale)

Luster: vitreous, pearly

Density: 2.3 – 2.4 g/cm³

Stilbite – a mineral from the zeolite group
Stilbite is a zeolite with the chemical formula NaCa₄(Si₂₇Al₉)O₇₂·28H₂O. It is characterized by white, pink to orange crystals that often form fan-shaped or radial aggregates.

Stilbite deposits
The main deposits come from India, especially from the Maharashtra region, where beautiful druses in combination with apophyllite are found. Other locations are known in Iceland and Canada.

History and uses of stilbite
Stilbite is a popular collector's mineral. Due to its appearance, it is also used as a decorative element and is used in mineral collections.

Identification of Stilbite

Chemical formula: NaCa₄(Si₂₇Al₉)O₇₂·28H₂O

Color: white, pink, orange

Crystal system: monoclinic

Hardness: 3.5 – 4 (Mohs scale)

Luster: pearly to glassy

Density: 2.1 – 2.2 g/cm³

Zeolites – a group of natural minerals
Zeolites form an extensive group of hydrated aluminum silicates with a general structure that gives them porosity and the ability to bind water. These include, for example, apophyllite, stilbite, heulandite and other minerals.

Zeolite deposits
The most famous deposits of zeolites come from India (Maharashtra), where a large number of collector druses come from. Other occurrences are found in Iceland, Canada and the USA.

History and use of zeolites
Zeolites have not only aesthetic significance, but also practical use - thanks to their ability to bind water, they are used in industry and agriculture. In the collector's world, they are valued primarily for their beautiful crystals and combinations with other minerals.

Identification of zeolites (general)

Chemical composition: hydrated aluminosilicates (various formulas)

Color: white, pink, green, clear (depending on the type)

Crystal system: monoclinic, tetragonal, orthorhombic (depending on the mineral)

Hardness: 3.5 - 5 (Mohs scale)

Luster: pearly, glassy

Density: 2.0 - 2.4 g/cm³


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