Heulandite

Heulandite
General
CategoryZeolites (tectosilicates)
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ca,Na)2−3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36·12H2O
IMA symbolHul[1]
Strunz classification9.GE.05
Crystal systemMonoclinic
More than one space group
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Identification
Colourcolourless, yellow, green, white, pale pink
Crystal habittabular, parallel aggregates
Cleavageperfect basal
Mohs scale hardness3.5–4
Lustrepearly, vitreous
Streakwhite
Diaphaneitytransparent to translucent
References[2][3][4][5]

Heulandite is the name of a series of tecto-silicate minerals of the zeolite group. Prior to 1997, heulandite was recognized as a mineral species, but a reclassification in 1997 by the International Mineralogical Association changed it to a series name, with the mineral species being named:

  • Heulandite-Ca
  • Heulandite-Na
  • Heulandite-K
  • Heulandite-Sr
  • Heulandite-Ba (described in 2002).

Heulandite-Ca, the most common of these, is a hydrous calcium and aluminium silicate, (Ca,Na)2−3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36·12H2O. Small amounts of sodium and potassium are usually present replacing part of the calcium. Strontium replaces calcium in the heulandite-Sr variety. The appropriate species name depends on the dominant element. The species are visually indistinguishable, and the series name heulandite is still used whenever testing has not been performed.

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Mindat - Heulandite-Ca
  3. ^ Webmineral - Heulandite-Ca
  4. ^ Mineralienatlas
  5. ^ Simon and Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals