Scolecite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™

Scolecite is a fascinating zeolite mineral. Its name is derived from the Greek word, skolex, meaning worm because under a flame, scolecite curls up like a worm. It shares the unusual properties of piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity with other gem minerals like tourmaline.
Colors
Colorless, White
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Scolecite classification
CommonNameScoleciteSpeciesScoleciteVarietyColorsColorless, WhiteAlternateNamesGemstoneGroupsKeySeparationsBirefringenceClassificationCommentsMight curl up like a worm when exposed to a flame. Pyroelectric: development of opposite charges at the ends of the crystal due to change in temperature. Piezoelectric: development of opposite charges at the ends of the crystal when placed under stress. -
Scolecite chemistry & crystallography
ChemicalNameChemicalFormulaCaAl2Si3O10.3H2OSynthesisCrystalSystemMonoclinicChemistryClassificationSilicateNatureNaturalCrystallinityCrystalline to AggregateChemistryComments -
Scolecite optical properties
TransparencyTransparent - OpaqueDispersionStrength: strong fireOpticalCommentsRefractiveIndex1.509-1.525Birefringence0.007-0.012OpticCharacterBiaxialOpticSignNegativePolariscopeReactionDoubly Refractive (DR)FluorescenceSWUV: Inert to weak yellow
LWUV: Inert to weak bluish whiteCCFReactionPleochroismUnobservable -
Scolecite characteristic physical properties
Hardness5-5.5CharacteristicCommentsStreakWhiteSpecificGravity2.21-2.29ToughnessPoorInclusionsLusterVitreousStabilityFractureUnevenCleavagePerfect, in two directions