3.1" Zoned Apophyllite Crystal Cluster with Stilbite - India

This specimen of zoned apophyllite was collected from Maharashtra, India. The zoning of these crystals are quite beautiful, with no damage to any of the apophyllite crystals. A small fan-like cluster of peach-colored stilbite can be found between two of the apophyllite crystals on this specimen.

This specimen comes from the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province and one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, near the city of Pune in western India. As miners quarry for other materials or dig wells, they sometimes unearth large pockets of zeolites and other minerals in the volcanic rock.

Stilbite is probably the most common zeolite found in these deposits. Crystals often form flowery, bowtie. or hourglass-shaped structures and come in a variety of colors. Some of the most beautiful colorations are the pink or peach tints. While not a zeolite itself, apophyllite is almost always found associated with zeolites in the same pockets. It has two crystal habits: a rectangular prism capped by a steep four-sided pyramid, or a pseudo-cubic structure. While not a well-known mineral to the general public, it is popular among mineral collectors due to its pastel colors and beautiful crystal formations.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Apophyllite & Stilbite
LOCATION
Maharashtra, India
SIZE
3.1" long, 1.9" wide, longest crystal 1.8" long
CATEGORY
ITEM
#44327