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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
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Cavansite |
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Name
Cavansite
Chemistry
Ca(VO)Si4O10(H2O)4, Hydrated Calcium Vanadium Silicate
Uses
As a mineral specimen
Color
Blue to blue green
Hardness
3-4
Specific gravity
2.33
Crystal system:
Orthorhombic
Accompanied by:
Zeoalites such as apophylite, calcite, healandite and such
Fracture
Conchoidal
Luster
Vitreous to pearly
Cleavage
Perfect in one direction
Streak
Blue
Similar to:
There are no similar minerals
Cavansite, whose name is derived from its chemical composition, calcium vanadium silicate, is a deep blue hydrous calcium vanadium phyllosilicate mineral, occurring as a secondary mineral in basaltic and andesitic rocks along with a variety of zeolite minerals. Discovered in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon, cavansite is a relatively rare mineral. It is most frequently found in Poona, India, in the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province
Recently we have seen quite a few specimens of cavansite. It remains a beautiful and rare mineral. It was only discovered in the last 30 years and is found in only a few locallities. By far the best crystals come from the famous zeolite quarries in Poona, India. Crystal aggregates consist of spherical rosettes with jutting pointed crystals. The deep blue color of even the smallest cavansite crystals is truly amazing. A beautiful blue cavansite rosette perched on top of the muted colors of the typical zeolites makes a dramatic crystal association. Cavansite's rarity and beauty explain its recent popularity. It brings an excellent blue color to any collection. I spoke to Mr cavansite at a recent St Marie show and purchased a few choice specimens from him.
While cavansite does contain vanadium, and could thus be a possible ore source for the element, it is not generally considered an ore mineral. However, because of its rich color and relative rarity, cavansite is a sought after collector's mineral.
