Scolecite

Monoclinic  Images    

   
   
  Formula CaAl2Si3O10 ∙ 3H2O
  Optic class & sign Biaxial negative
  Optical orientation X near c, Y near a, Z = b
  Optical plane Orthogonal to (010)
  Relief Low-negative
  Refractive indices nx = 1.507 -1.513
ny = 1.516 -1.520
nz = 1.517 -1.521
-
  Birefringence   (max.)0.008  - 0.010
   -
  Optic Angle 2Vx = 36 - 56°
2Vz
  Sign of elongation Length-fast, l (-)
  Interference figure Hard to obtain due to crystal habit and low birefringence
  Colour /   pleochroism Colourless
  Zoning 

  Form  Habit Fibrous to acicular, radiating aggregates
  Surface Euhedral to subhedral
  Cleavage 2 sets {110}
  Twinning {100} multiple
  Extinction Inclined, c ∧ x 18°; symmetrical to traces of {110} crystal faces and cleavage in sections ⊥c

  Reaction textures  
  Alteration /   decomposition Relatively stable under surface conditions

  Occurence     Ign 
  Met Zeolite-facies carbonate rocks
  Sed 
  Hyd Cavities (vesicles, amygdales, fractures) in mafic volcanic rocks
  Other 

  Distinctive   properties               Inclined extinction, negative sign of elongation
  Additional   comments n-Δn chart: Edi – edingtonite, Gon – gonnardite, Lmt – laumontite, Mes – mesolite, Mor – mordenite, Ntr – natrolite, Sco – scolecite, Thm - thomsonite