Scolecite is a tectosilicate mineral belonging to the zeolite group. It was first described in 1813 by AF Gehlan and JN Fuchs in Germany. Its name derives from the Greek, σκώληξ (sko-lecks), which means "worm". It commonly occurs in the form of thin prismatic needles, often flattened on one side, with oblique and striated terminations parallel to the length of the needles. Crystals appear to be pseudo-orthorhombic or pseudo-tetragonal and may have a square cross section. It is usually colorless or white, but it can also be pink, red or green. It has a vitreous or silky sheen to fibrous specimens. It is a brittle mineral with an irregular fracture. The best specimens come from Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Dimensions
Height (cm): 10.8
Depth (cm): 5.4
Width (cm): 8.6
Weight (g): 379
Property
Chemical Formula: CaAl2Si3O10 · 3H2O
Mohs scale: 5 - 5½
Relative density: 2.25 - 2.29
Crystalline System: Monoclinic
