Prehnita
Prehnita is a mineral with formula Ca₂Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂, in the Silicatos (Filosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Paterson, Nueva Jersey, EE. UU..
Description
Association of light green prehnite in the form of globular aggregates, accompanied by fine crystals of white desmine. The piece shows a natural crack decorated with tiny shiny crystals that enhance its appearance.
History of this specimen
The natural fracture filled with crystals adds a distinctive visual touch. This piece comes from Paterson, a locality famous for its zeolite and prehnite formations. The prehnite, with a translucent green tone and botryoidal surface, is associated with desmine (a fibrous zeolite). It is a classic in collections for its aesthetics, for the rarity of this association, and for its provenance.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0567
- Internal reference
- X0226
- Composition
- Ca₂Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
- Name
- Prehnita
- Group
- Silicatos (Filosilicatos)
- Associations
- Desmina; Natrolita, Laumonita
- District / Municipality
- Paterson
- Province
- Nueva Jersey
- Country
- EE. UU.
- Size (cm)
- 6 x 8
- Weight
- 123.2 g
- Etymology
- In honor of the Dutch colonel Hendrik von Prehn (1733-1785), who discovered it at the Cape of Good Hope. 'Desmine' comes from the Greek 'desme' (δέσμη), 'bundle', because of its habit in crystal aggregates.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable