Scolecite with Fluorapophyllite-K

specimen number:
2292421

location:
Nashik, Maharashtra, India

description:
Attractive spray of lustrous sparkling gemmy scolecite crystals. Minor fluorapophyllite present. Slight damage present typical of these, still very nice.

The Nashik district, situated in western Maharashtra, India, is part of the extensive Deccan Volcanic Province, which was created by massive basaltic lava flows approximately 65 million years ago. As the thick layers of basalt cooled, volcanic gases became trapped, forming hollow vesicles and pockets throughout the solidifying rock. Low-temperature hydrothermal fluids containing calcium, aluminum, and silica subsequently circulated through these cavities, crystallizing into various secondary minerals. Scolecite, a hydrated calcium silicate member of the zeolite group, grew in these pockets as radiating, needle-like acicular crystal clusters. Historically, the commercial extraction of basalt for construction and road aggregate in the numerous quarries surrounding Nashik exposed these hidden cavities, turning the industrial mining sites into key sources of highly structured scolecite specimens.

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