Natrolite

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Natrolite

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.

Natrolite

Raman

NatroliteRS.jpg

Raman

Natroliteitaly1.jpg

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

  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979