Natrolita Rosa
Natrolita is a mineral with formula Na₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀·2H₂O, in the Tectosilicatos group. This specimen comes from Jalgaon, Jalgaon District, Nashik Division, Maharashtra, India and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Soft pink natrolite sphere composed of thousands of very fine, radiating acicular crystals emanating from a concealed core in all directions. Matt texture with pinpoint reflections on the edges, imparting a delicate luminosity. The diameter and homogeneity of the formation give the specimen a sculptural presence.
History of this specimen
Bought from Adrián RS in 2025. It arrived with a blow in transit that broke a considerable number of needles, a physical depression in the piece and a metaphysical one in my mood when I opened the parcel. Some of the calcite crystals on its base also came off during the rough handling. The shipping company covered the cost for both Adrián and me. Adrián, who bought three tonnes of pieces in India 3 or 4 years ago, is releasing them little by little because it is not his main business. The piece comes from the traditional extraction area in Pune, where, for tax reasons, the miners do not disclose the exact quarry.
About Natrolita
Natrolite is a zeolite of the tectosilicate group, valued for its acicular crystals that commonly arrange in radial bundles. Its usual colour is white, but it can take pinkish or yellowish hues due to inclusions or surface alterations.
About the locality
Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, lies in the heart of the Deccan Traps, an extensive basalt field that hosts cavities lined with well-crystallised zeolites. The region's mining and trade tradition has made Pune a global hub for natrolite and related species.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0109
- Composition
- Na₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀·2H₂O
- Name
- Natrolita
- Variety
- Rosa
- Group
- Tectosilicatos
- Category
- Asteris Explosio
- Matrix
- Basaltos
- Associations
- Calcita
- Mine
- Jalgaon
- District / Municipality
- Jalgaon District
- Province
- Nashik Division
- Region
- Maharashtra
- Country
- India
- Size (cm)
- 10 x 7 x 7
- Weight
- 444.8 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "natro" (sodium) and "lithos" (stone), in allusion to its sodic composition.
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Apofilita — India
- Calcita (Melada) — India
- Cavansita — India
- Calcedonia Estalactítica — India
- Calcedonia Estalactítica — India
- Calcedonia Estalactítica — India
- Escolecita — India
- Escolecita — India