Analcime – Na(AlSi2)O6 · H2O

Analcime occurs very abundantly at MSH in several environments. Some of the largest and perhaps the best specimens for the species have been found at Mont Saint-Hilaire.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

 

  • Color is usually colorless on smaller crystals and white or gray on
    the larger crystals.
  • Luster is vitreous.
  • Diaphaneity is transparent on smaller crystals and translucent to
    opaque on larger crystals.
  • Crystal System is isometric with several space groups.
  • Crystal Habits include excellent trapezohedra to 25cm, distorted
    trapezohedra and as large pseudomorphs to 15cm, consisting
    of crystalline masses of small crystals of analcime.
  • Cleavage {001} is poor.
  • Fracture is subconchoidal.
  • Hardness is 5 – 5.5.
  • Specific Gravity is approximately 2.25 g/cm3.
  • Streak is white.
  • Associated Minerals include a wide variety of associated minerals
    due to its widespread occurrence.
  • Distinguishing Features: crystal habit and forms.
  • Origin: Named in 1801 from the Greek analkis, weak, alluding to the
    weak electrostatic charge that develops when it is heated or rubbed.

 

 

Dana class # 77.1.1.1 – Tectosilicates; zeolites, zeolite group
Strunz class # VIII/J.27-10 – Silicates; tectosilicates (network), with zeolite-structure, bladed zeolites; zeolite group, analcime – paulingite series