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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals P-T |
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Thomsonite |
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Name
Thomsonite
Chemistry
NaCa2Al5Si5O20·6H2O
Uses
As mineral specimen
Color
Colorless, yellow, white
Hardness
5 - 5.5
Specific gravity
2.2 - 2.4
Crystals
Orthorhombic
Accompanied by:
Aegirine, Albite, Analcime, Apophyllite, Calcite, Catapleiite, Donnayite, Fluorite, Natrolite, Pectolite, Pyrophanite, Serandite
Fracture
Uneven to subconchoidal
Luster
Vitreous to dull.
Cleavage
Perfect
Streak
White
Similar to:
Edingtonite, Gonnardite, Mesolite, Natrolite, Scolecite
Thomsonite derived its name from the Scottish chemistry professor, T. Thomson (1773-1852). He was the first to analyze the mineral back in 1820.
Thomsonite is a member of the rare Zeolite family.
It's often found in different coarse radiating clusters blade crystals of color variations in the cavities and veins of volcanic lava flow rocks. Here it forms spherical and tight acicular radiating clusters.
Collectors of rare Zeolite minerals seek after Thomsonite.
The coloration is mainly white or colorless, but some specimens have a yellow color.
