Escolecita
Escolecita is a mineral with formula NaCa₂Al₅Si₁₃O₃₆·14H₂O, in the Silicatos [Tectosilicatos (Zeolitas)] group. This specimen comes from Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Single acicular scolecite crystal, spindle-like, bearing small blocky calcite crystals of champagne colour. Strong fluorescence under UV light.
About Escolecita
Scolecite is a tectosilicate of the zeolite group, formed in basaltic cavities by hydrothermal processes. It typically occurs in radial acicular aggregates or as isolated needles. Its association with calcite is common in Deccan mineralisations.
About the locality
The Pune district, on the Deccan Plateau, is one of the world's most important localities for scolecite. Cavities in Cretaceous basalts produce exceptional crystals, often associated with calcite, stilbite or heulandite.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0187
- Composition
- NaCa₂Al₅Si₁₃O₃₆·14H₂O
- Name
- Escolecita
- Group
- Silicatos [Tectosilicatos (Zeolitas)]
- Category
- Estélites
- Associations
- Calcita
- Mine
- Pune
- District / Municipality
- Pune
- Region
- Maharashtra
- Country
- India
- Size (cm)
- 6 x 0.5 x 0.3
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "σκώληξ" ('worm'), after the behaviour of the fibres, which bend like worms when heated in a blowpipe flame.
- Quality
- Buena
- 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