Stilbite

Stilbite is a popular mineral composed of sodium calcium aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Stilbite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Stilbite:

• Transparency: Stilbite can be translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, stilbite is monoclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, stilbite can be dull, pearly or vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Stilbite streaks colorless.
• Specific Gravity: Stilbite's specific gravity ranges from 2.1 to 2.2.

Stilbite: Background and Summary

Stilbite is a zeolite mineral that is commonly found in volcanic rocks and in hydrothermal veins. It is usually colorless or white, but can also be yellow, pink, or brown. Stilbite is characterized by its delicate, needle-like crystals that form in clusters or rosettes. The crystals are often translucent and have a pearly or silky luster. Stilbite is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.

To identify stilbite, one can look for its characteristic crystal habit, as well as its pearly or silky luster. Stilbite is also generally optically negative, meaning that it rotates the plane of polarized light to the left. It can be distinguished from other zeolites by its more delicate crystals and its tendency to form rosettes.

Stilbite has a number of industrial and commercial uses. It is sometimes used as a filler or extender in plastics, paints, and other materials. It is also used in the production of cement and concrete, as well as in water treatment and soil remediation. Stilbite is sometimes used as a gemstone, although it is not particularly valuable or popular in this regard.