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Pectolite

Pectolite

Pectolite is a white to gray mineral. It crystallizes in the triclinic system typically occuring in radiated or fibrous crystalline masses. It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5 and a specific gravity of 2.7 and 2.9. The gemstone variety, larimar is a pale to sky blue.

Occurrence[]

In 1828, Pectolite was first described at Mt. Baldo, Trento Province, Italy and named from the Greek pektos meaning "compacted" and lithos meaning "stone".

It occurs as a primary mineral in nepheline syenites, within hydrothermal cavities in basalts and diabase and in serpentinites in association with zeolites, datolite, prehnite, calcite and serpentine. It is found in a wide variety of worldwide locations.

Pectolite is a nice specimen type mineral, meaning that it can form interesting specimens from time to time. However it was not all that well-regarded until a variety was discovered in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. It has been given the trade name Larimar and has enjoyed success in the semi-precious stone market.

Source[]

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