Zeolite
Mineral (Na2,K2,Ca,Ba)[(Al,Si)O2]n·xH2O
About it
Group name for light, soft framework silicates holding loose water, found lining cavities in basalt with calcite and apophyllite. India, Nova Scotia, and Iceland are rich sources; each species is listed separately.
- Type
- Mineral
- Group
- Silicate (tectosilicate), zeolite group
- Formula
- (Na2,K2,Ca,Ba)[(Al,Si)O2]n·xH2O
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5–5.5
- Specific gravity
- 2–2.5
- Streak
- white
- Lustre
- vitreous (glassy), pearly, silky
- Colours
- white, colourless, pink, orange, yellow, green
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Cleavage and fracture
- varies by species; often perfect in one direction
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.