Mesolite

Mesolite is a tectosilicate mineral with formula Na₂Ca₂(Al₂Si₃O₁₀)₃·8H₂O.. It is a member of the zeolite group and is closely related to natrolite which it also resembles in appearance.

Mesolite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and typically forms fibrous, acicular prismatic crystals or masses.[1] Radiating sprays of needlelike crystals are not uncommon. It is vitreous in luster and clear to white in color. It has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5 and a low specific gravity of 2.2 to 2.4. The refractive indices are n_α=1.505 n_β=1.505 n_γ=1.506.

Occurrence

It was first described in 1816 for an occurrence in the Cyclopean Islands near Catania, Sicily.[3] From the Greek mesos, middle, as it's composition lies between natrolite and scolecite.[3][2] Like other zeolites, mesolite occurs as void fillings in amygdaloidal basalt also in andesites and hydrothermal veins.[1]

References

1. ^ a b c Handbook of Mineralogy
2. ^ a b Mindat.org
3. ^ a b c Webmineral data

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List of minerals