Scolecite, Meaning, Properties, and Facts

What is scolecite

Scolecite is a calcium aluminum silicate zeolite with three water molecules in its formula, a member of the natrolite subgroup along with natrolite and mesolite. Like other zeolites it has an open framework with channels that hold water. Its name comes from the Greek skolex, worm, for the way it curls in a blowpipe flame (see Mindat's scolecite page).

Scolecite properties

Scolecite properties mix decent hardness with a fragile shape: the mineral rates 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, but its needles are thin and snap if bumped. Data is on Wikipedia's scolecite page.

Where scolecite is found

Scolecite is found mainly in cavities in basalt, where hot groundwater deposited it after the lava cooled. Most specimens on the market come from the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra, India, especially quarries around Pune and Nashik, where sprays sit on basalt or with apophyllite and stilbite. Iceland and Brazil are other well-known sources.

Scolecite crystal sprays

A scolecite crystal is a long, slender prism, and many of them radiate from one point to form sprays and puffs. Compact, fibrous scolecite is also tumbled into smooth white stones with a silky sheen, sold as scolecite stone. Sprays on dark basalt make the strongest display pieces, because the white needles stand out.

How to tell if scolecite is real

To tell if scolecite is real, start with the label, because scolecite, natrolite and mesolite look almost identical. Chemistry is the real difference: scolecite carries calcium, natrolite carries sodium and mesolite carries both. Separating them for certain takes lab work on chemistry and optics, so labels on unknown specimens often rest on locality and crystal habit. Scolecite needles tend to be thicker than the hair-fine tufts of mesolite. Fake sprays are unusual; check instead for glue where broken needles were reattached.

Scolecite care: water and sun

Scolecite care is mostly about touch, and water is fine in small doses: rinse it briefly in cool water, then let it air dry. Do not soak sprays or brush them, since the needles break easily. Light will not fade white scolecite, but heat drives out its water, so keep it away from radiators and hot windows. See water safe crystals.

Scolecite price and value

Scolecite price and value are low for small Indian sprays and tumbled stones, because quarries produce plenty. Value rises with long, intact needles, full radiating sprays, clean white color and contrast on dark basalt or with green apophyllite.

Scolecite meaning and benefits

Scolecite meaning in crystal lore is peace and deep rest, and the benefits people claim for it include calm sleep and vivid dreams. That is belief, not chemistry. The name has a better story than the lore: a mineral called worm because it squirms in a flame.

Scolecite for sale

Scolecite for sale at geoslut arrives in drops. Each piece is one of one, photographed in daylight and labeled with its locality, and the list hears first.

Scolecite FAQ

Can scolecite go in water?

Scolecite can go in water for a quick rinse, but do not soak it, since the needles are fragile.

Is scolecite a zeolite?

Scolecite is a zeolite in the natrolite subgroup, closely related to natrolite and mesolite.

How hard is scolecite?

Scolecite is moderately hard at 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, but its thin needles snap easily.

Is scolecite rare?

Scolecite is not rare: basalt quarries in India turn up a steady supply, though long, unbroken sprays are scarcer.

Why is it called scolecite?

It is called scolecite from the Greek skolex, worm, because it curls like a worm when heated in a flame.

Sources

• Scolecite, Mindat
• Scolecite, Wikipedia