Category Phyllosilicate Dana classification 73.2.2c.1 | Strunz classification 9.EE.30 Crystal system Triclinic | |
Formula
(repeating unit) NaCa16Si23AlO6(OH)8·14H2O Crystal class Pinacoidal (1)
(same H-M symbol) | ||
Gyrolite (NaCa16Si23AlO6(OH)8·14H2O) is a silicate mineral that is usually associated with zeolites. It most commonly is found as spherical or radial formations in hydrothermally altered basalt and basaltic tuffs. These formations can be glassy, dull or fibrous in appearance.
Gyrolite is also known as Centrallasite, Glimmer Zeolite or Gurolite.
Discovery and occurrence
It was first described in 1851 for an occurrence at The Storr on the isle of Skye, Scotland and is named from the Greek word for circle, guros, based on the round form in which it is commonly found.
Minerals associated with gyrolite include apophyllite, okenite and many of the mother zeolites. Gyrolite is found in Scotland, Ireland; Italy, Faroe Islands, Greenland, India, Japan, USA, Canada and various other localities.