A natural cluster of apophyllite, stilbite, and red heulandite from the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra, India, one of the largest volcanic regions on Earth. Specimens like this grow inside gas pockets in ancient basalt, where mineral-rich water crystallised different minerals together in the same cavity over millions of years. The clear-to-white apophyllite forms sharp, blocky crystals; the stilbite grows in softer sheaf-like clusters; and the red-orange heulandite takes its warm colour from natural iron staining.
Mineral: Apophyllite (KCa₄(Si₈O₂₀)(F,OH)·8H₂O), stilbite and heulandite (zeolite group aluminosilicates)
Crystal system: Apophyllite tetragonal; stilbite and heulandite monoclinic
Origin: Deccan Traps, Maharashtra, India
Hardness: 4.5 to 5 for apophyllite, 3 to 4 for the zeolites; a soft, delicate specimen, handle by the base
Treatment: None
Dimensions: 10 × 7.5 × 3.47 cm
Weight: 346 g
You'll receive the exact piece photographed.