Where is Stilbite found?
NaCa4(Si27Al9)O72·28H2O
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Open the appStilbite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Stilbite
Deccan Traps, India
World-renowned for producing exceptional specimens of stilbite, often associated with apophyllite, cavansite, and other zeolites in basaltic amygdales. Particularly famous localities include Nashik, Pune, and Mumbai.
Faroe Islands
Known for fine stilbite specimens, often in association with other zeolites in volcanic rocks.
Iceland
Abundant in basaltic lavas, forming excellent crystal aggregates in cavities.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Classic locality for zeolites, including stilbite, found in basalt flows along the Bay of Fundy.
Patterson, New Jersey, USA
Historic locality for zeolites, including stilbite, found in the basalt quarries.
Scotland, UK
Various localities, particularly on the Isle of Skye and other volcanic areas, yield stilbite.
Italy
Found in volcanic rocks, particularly in the Alps and other regions.
Collecting tips
- Look in Volcanic Rocks. Stilbite is most commonly found in the amygdaloidal cavities (gas bubbles filled with secondary minerals) and fractures of basaltic and other mafic volcanic rocks. Search for areas with exposed lava flows.
- Identify Associated Minerals. Stilbite often co-occurs with other zeolites (e.g., heulandite, apophyllite, cavansite, laumontite, scolecite) and calcite. The presence of these minerals can be a good indicator.
- Observe Crystal Habit. Look for the characteristic 'sheaf-of-wheat' or radiating, divergent crystal aggregates. These forms are quite distinctive for stilbite.
- Check for Pearly Luster. The perfect cleavage plane of stilbite often exhibits a pearly luster, which can help in identification.
- Consider Color. While it can be white or colorless, the salmon-pink to orange-red hues are particularly characteristic and attractive.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, pale yellow, pink, salmon-orange, reddish-brown
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly
- Streak:
- White
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