Scolecite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™

Scolecite

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

  • Scolecite classification

    CommonName
    Scolecite
    Species
    Scolecite
    Variety
    Colors
    Colorless, White
    AlternateNames
    GemstoneGroups
    KeySeparations
    Birefringence
    ClassificationComments
    Might 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

    ChemicalName
    ChemicalFormula
    CaAl2Si3O10.3H2O
    Synthesis
    CrystalSystem
    Monoclinic
    ChemistryClassification
    Silicate
    Nature
    Natural
    Crystallinity
    Crystalline to Aggregate
    ChemistryComments

  • Scolecite optical properties

    Transparency
    Transparent - Opaque
    Dispersion
    Strength: strong fire
    OpticalComments
    RefractiveIndex
    1.509-1.525
    Birefringence
    0.007-0.012
    OpticCharacter
    Biaxial
    OpticSign
    Negative
    PolariscopeReaction
    Doubly Refractive (DR)
    Fluorescence
    SWUV: Inert to weak yellow
    LWUV: Inert to weak bluish white
    CCFReaction
    Pleochroism
    Unobservable

  • Scolecite characteristic physical properties

    Hardness
    5-5.5
    CharacteristicComments
    Streak
    White
    SpecificGravity
    2.21-2.29
    Toughness
    Poor
    Inclusions
    Luster
    Vitreous
    Stability
    Fracture
    Uneven
    Cleavage
    Perfect, in two directions