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Natrolite

A species of Natrolite Subgroup, Also known as Ædelite, Cockalite, Epinatrolite, Laubannite, Mésotype, Needlestone, Portite, Rhodatrolite

Scientific name : Natrolite Mineral Group : Natrolite Subgroup

Natrolite, A species of Natrolite Subgroup

Also known as:

Ædelite, Cockalite, Epinatrolite, Laubannite, Mésotype, Needlestone, Portite, Rhodatrolite

Scientific name: Natrolite

Mineral Group: Natrolite Subgroup

Content

Description People often ask General Info

Photo By Didier Descouens , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

Natrolite is a whitish mineral that can occasionally produce striking and distinctive crystal formations. Long, slender clusters of crystals radiating out from a central point give it a sea-urchin or puff-ball-like appearance. Such exceptional specimens are prized by collectors. Occasionally, natrolite is also used commercially in water purifiers and chemical filtration systems.

Physical Properties

Colors

White, Colorless, Red, Yellow, Brown, Green, bluish

Luster

PearlyVitreous

Diaphaneity

TransparentToTranslucent

Refractive Index

1.478-1.493

Birefringence

0.012-0.013

Pleochroism

None

Optical Character

Biaxial positive

Chemical Properties

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

Na₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀ · 2H₂O

Elements listed

Al, H, Na, O, Si

Common Impurities

Ca, K

People often ask

What is natrolite used for?

Where is natrolite found?

What type of silicate is natrolite?

How do you distinguish natrolite and other fibrous zeolites?

Is natrolite rare?

General Info

Healing Properties

Natrolite is believed to be a powerful stone in the practice of Reiki, harmonizing the body's energy and kick-starting physical and emotional healing. Excessive bloating may benefit from natrolite, and it might encourage active toxin removal. The stone's particles are supposedly so tiny that they can infiltrate the body's cells, which is how they remove toxic components.

How to Select

While facetable material is somewhat rare, white or colorless natrolite gems can sometimes be found on the market. Yellow, green, and brown colors are even less common, while pale yellow to red colors are rare. While gems were at one time limited to under 1 carat, a more recent find in New Jersey has yielded stones up to 20 carats. Those originating in Germany may flouresce a yellow-orange color under UV light. There are no known imitations or synthetics of natrolite commonly available on the market today.

Usage

Natrolite can be used to purify water or filter chemicals from other materials. It is also used as a gemstone, and the striking forms its crystals can take are quite beautiful; large crystals of natrolite are highly prized by collectors.

Types

Several varieties of natrolite have been distinguished by special Nips. Fargite is a red natrolite from Glenfarg in Perthshire. Bergmannite, or Spreustein, is an impure variety which has resulted by the alteration of other minerals, chiefly sodalite, in the augite syenite of southern Norway.