Analcime

Analcime is a popular mineral composed of hydrated sodium aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Analcime: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Analcime:

• Transparency: Analcime can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Luster: In terms of luster, analcime can be dull or vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Analcime streaks colorless.
• Hardness: Analcime's hardness ranges from 5 to 5.5 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Analcime's specific gravity ranges from 2.22 to 2.29.

Analcime: Background and Summary

Analcime is a mineral that belongs to the zeolite group. It is a common alteration product in volcanic rocks and is found in many parts of the world, including Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Italy, and the United States. Analcime is usually colorless, white, or grayish-white, and has a vitreous or greasy luster. It forms in trapezohedral crystals or in aggregates of small grains, and it is often associated with other zeolites, such as chabazite and natrolite.

To identify analcime, one can use a few simple tests. Analcime has a Mohs hardness of 5-5.5, which means it can be scratched by a knife or a piece of glass. It also has a specific gravity of 2.2-2.3, which is relatively low. Analcime is soluble in hydrochloric acid, and it fizzes when it comes into contact with the acid. When heated, analcime loses its water of crystallization and becomes dehydrated, turning into a white powder.

Analcime has a variety of uses in industry and research. It is used as a catalyst in the production of gasoline and other chemicals, as a filler in paper and plastics, and as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. Analcime is also used in the construction industry as a lightweight aggregate, and in the manufacture of building materials such as concrete and plaster. In addition, analcime has been studied for its potential use in water treatment, as it can remove heavy metals and other pollutants from contaminated water.