Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Stilbite (zeolite group) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | NaCa4(Si27Al9)O72·28H2O |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Locality | Nova Scotia, Canada |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
Stilbite specimen from Nova Scotia. Lot #73. Originally listed as unidentified based on an earlier illegible read of the source card; the card was re-read clearly during photo sourcing and identifies this piece as Stilbite from Nova Scotia.
Stilbite: the science
- Its classic “bowtie” or sheaf habit is made of many thin crystals fanning out from a pinched center.
- The name “zeolite” means boiling stone. When Axel Cronstedt heated stilbite in 1756, the water trapped inside made it froth.
- Zeolites act as molecular sieves and are used industrially to filter gases, soften water, and even capture radioactive cesium.
Go deeper
Want the full story on stilbite: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Read Stilbite & Zeolites: The Complete Guide Shop all Mineral Specimens
Questions about this piece
What is stilbite?
Stilbite is a zeolite, a mineral with open, cage-like channels built into its structure that hold loosely bound water. It grows in gas cavities in basalt and in hydrothermal veins.
Where was it found?
This piece comes from Nova Scotia, Canada. We list a locality whenever it is known, because where a mineral formed is part of its story and its value.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 3.5–4 and fragile at the edges. Keep dry, dust with a soft brush or compressed air, and avoid heat, which drives off its water.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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