Calcite & Thomsonite from Aranga Quarry New Zealand
This is an interesting piece of Calcite & Thomsonite, the Thomsonite is kind of noodle-like while having associated growth of needle-like Calcite over the top. Thomsonite is generally known to have associations with Prehnite, Laumontite, Natrolite, Chabazite, Analcime, Apophyllite and Chlorite.
I acquired this specimen from Tony at Mineral Store Australia at the August 2016 Sydney Crystal Show.
Specimen Details
Chemical Formula: NaCa2Al5Si5O20 · 6(H2O)
Collection ID #: JG0011
Colour: White, beige, cream, light yellow, light gray.
Hardness: 5 – 5.5
Acquisition Date: 6th August 2016
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Lustre: Transparent to translucent
Dimensions: 90mm x 76mm x 20mm
Weight: 95g
Locale: Aranga Quarry, Northland New Zealand
Rarity of Mineral
Did you know!?
Thomsonite is named in honour of Scottish mineralogist and chemist Thomas Thomson.