Where is Stilbite found?
Stilbite-Ca
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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, large, and aesthetically pleasing Stilbite-Ca specimens, often associated with other zeolites like apophyllite and cavansite, in basaltic amygdales.
Iceland
Abundant in the basaltic lavas, forming excellent specimens in cavities.
Faroe Islands
Known for fine Stilbite-Ca specimens in volcanic rocks.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Occurs in basalt flows along the Bay of Fundy, often with other zeolites.
Patterson, New Jersey, USA
Found in the basalt quarries, producing good quality specimens.
Scotland, UK
Localities in the Inner Hebrides and other areas yield Stilbite-Ca in volcanic rocks.
Collecting tips
- Look in Volcanic Rocks. Focus your search on areas with basaltic lava flows, especially in amygdaloidal cavities (gas bubbles filled with minerals) and fractures.
- Associated Minerals. Stilbite-Ca often co-occurs with other zeolites (e.g., heulandite, laumontite, scolecite, analcime) and associated minerals like apophyllite, calcite, and quartz. Identifying these can lead to stilbite.
- Examine Road Cuts and Quarries. Fresh exposures in volcanic terrains, such as road cuts, construction sites, and quarries, are excellent places to find zeolite minerals.
- Check for Sheaf-like Aggregates. The distinctive radiating, sheaf-like, or bow-tie crystal habit is a key identifier for stilbite.
- Observe Luster. The pearly luster on cleavage surfaces is a good indicator.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, pink, salmon, yellow, brown, colorless
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly
- Streak:
- White
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