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Scolecite is a member of the zeolite group, and is closely
related to Natrolite and Mesolite. It forms a series with those two minerals, and is the calcium-rich end member. Chemical analysis or
optical tests may be required to distinguish Scolecite from Natrolite, and a single
crystal may even contain part of each mineral within different zones of
the
same crystal. Scolecite can be very brittle, so care should be exercised when handling specimens. Scolecite is
named after the Greek term "skolec", which means "worm", alluding to its worm-like reaction to a blowpipe test. |
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Chemical Formula |
CaAl2Si3O10 · 3H2O |
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Composition |
Hydrous calcium aluminum silicate |
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Color |
White, colorless, light yellow, light pink. Rarely orange. |
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Streak |
Colorless |
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Hardness |
5 - 5.5 |
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Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Most often in acicular and radial groupings, with
individual slender crystals clearly distinguished. Individual crystals in an aggregate may be grouped tightly together, or there may be a space between each crystals. Individual prismatic crystals are very rare. Commonly in tall columnar bundles of prismatic crystals. Also in reticulated groups, V-shaped twins, in grainy masses of slender crystals, tight radiating masses, and as linings of cavities.
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Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
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Specific Gravity |
2.2 - 2.4 |
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Luster |
Vitreous, silky |
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Cleavage |
1,2 |
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Fracture |
Uneven |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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In Group |
Silicates; Tectosilicates; Zeolite Group |
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Striking Features |
Crystal habits and environment |
| Environment |
In cavities of volcanic basalt; rarely in granites and gneiss.
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| Rock Type |
Igneous |
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Popularity (1-4)
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3 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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2 |
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Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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Scolecite specimens are of interest to collectors, especially those specializing in zeolite minerals.
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India is the most important producer of Scolecite, where excellent specimens are found in the basalts of the Deccan Traps in the state of Maharashtra. The districts that have produced excellent Scolecite include Nasik, Pune (Poona), Ahmadnagar, Jalgaon, and Mumbai. A recent outstanding find of large radiating clusters associated with Stilbite is Rankhamb, Maharashtra, India.
Other worldwide localities include the Das Antas tunnel, Veranópolis, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil; Teigarhorn, Berufjördur, Iceland; Arvigo, Grisons, Switzerland; and several deposits in the Ossola Valley, Piedmont, Italy. In the U.S., Scolecite come from Elk Mountain, northeast of Pigeon Springs, Cowlitz Co., Washington.
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Scolecite can be very difficult to distinguish from Natrolite.
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Have a question about Scolecite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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