Category Phyllosilicate Strunz classification 9.EA.40 Space group P1 | Formula(repeating unit) CaSi2O5·2H2O Crystal system Triclinic | |
Crystal class Pinacoidal (1)(same H-M symbol) | ||
Okenite (CaSi2O5·2H2O) is a silicate mineral that is usually associated with zeolites. It most commonly is found as small white "cotton ball" formations within basalt geodes. These formations are clusters of straight, radiating, fibrous crystals that are both bendable and fragile.
Discovery and occurrence
It was first described in 1828 for an occurrence at Disko Island, Greenland and named for German naturalist Lorenz Oken (1779–1851).
Minerals associated with okenite include apophyllite, gyrolite, prehnite, chalcedony, goosecreekite and many of the mother zeolites. Okenite is found in India, manila within the state of Maharashtra. Other localities include Bulla Island, Azerbaijan; Aranga, New Zealand; Chile; Ireland and Bordo Island in the Faroe Islands.
References
Okenite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA