Pectolite
NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)

     Pectolite, a member of the pectolite- schizolite-sérandite series,
is another widespread species at MSH.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually colorless or white.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is triclinic; P1.
Crystal Habits include the pseudotetragonal prisms, fibrous aggregates
   to 10cm, and crystalline masses.
Cleavage {001} and {100} are perfect.
Fracture is splintery.
Hardness is 4.5 - 5.
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.9 g/cm³.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include amphibole group, annite, apophyllite
   series, calcite, fluorite, microcline, poudretteite, sodalite, vesuvianite
   and many others.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and fracture.
Origin: Named in 1828 from the Greek pektos, well put together,
   alluding to its compact structure.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:327-329 (1990), Dana 8:1319-1320 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

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