Natrolite
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Description
A white, glassy zeolite mineral composed of hydrated sodium aluminosilicate. Natrolite was named by Heinrich Klaproth in 1803. The mineral occurs in France (Puy-deMarman), Italy (Brevino), Norway (Brevik), Ireland (Belfast), the Faroe Islands, and the U.S. (New Jersey, Montana, California). It was one of the first zeolite minerals to be used as a cation exchanger in water softeners.
Synonyms and Related Terms
fargite (red color)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Orthorhombic system with fibrous crystals or masses.
- Cleavage is perfect in one direction.
- Fracture = uneven.
- Luster = vitreous to silky.
- Streak = colorless
| Composition | Na2(Al2Si3O10)2H2O |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 5.0 - 5.5 |
| Density | 2.2-2.3 g/ml |
Resources and Citations
- Mineralogy Database: Natrolite
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "natrolite." Accessed 6 Oct. 2004.
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natrolite (Accessed Sept. 10, 2005)