Apofilita
Apofilita is a mineral with formula KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O, in the Silicatos group. This specimen comes from Jalgaon Quarries, Jalgaon District, Nashik Division, Maharashtra, India.
Description
Vertical stalactite composed of transparent, well-defined apophyllite crystals, with localised pink stilbite and a base of black chalcedony. Sculptural overall form, structurally balanced, with a refined aesthetic. Visually strong piece.
History of this specimen
The piece is beautiful, but UV light revealed it is reconstructed. After I notified the dealer, he admitted he had not detected the repair.
About Apofilita
Apophyllite forms very bright, transparent prismatic crystals, often associated with zeolites in basaltic cavities. Although not a zeolite in the strict sense, it is commonly found alongside them in volcanic deposits.
About the locality
Jalgaon is one of the best-known regions in the world for its production of Indian zeolites, apophyllite, stilbite and other associated species in geodes within the Deccan basalts. It is a modern mineralogical classic.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0102
- Composition
- KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O
- Name
- Apofilita
- Group
- Silicatos
- Category
- Estélites
- Associations
- estilbita calcedonia
- Mine
- Jalgaon Quarries
- District / Municipality
- Jalgaon District
- Province
- Nashik Division
- Region
- Maharashtra
- Country
- India
- Size (cm)
- 18.4 x 3.7 x 3.1
- Weight
- 110 g
- Etymology
- From the Greek "apophylliso", meaning 'it flakes off', in reference to its easy exfoliation when heated.
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Al alza
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