The Mineral laumontite

Laumontite is a member of the zeolite group, and occurs in many of the zeolite deposits. It is not a stable mineral, losing water in its structure upon exposure to air. This causes Laumontite to be white and powdery, and will cause specimens to crumble when touched. Large crystals can be preserved by coating it with a plastic waterproof sealant. Laumontite was named after Gillet de Laumont (1747-1834), a French mineralogist and hunter credited with discovering this mineral in Brittany, France in 1785.

Chemical Formula

CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂ · 4(H₂O)

Color

Colorless to white. Also light yellow, off-white, and tan.

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Properties

Streak Colorless

Hardness 3.5 - 4

Transparency Transparent to opaque

Specific Gravity 2.2 - 2.3

Luster Vitreous, pearly, dull

Cleavage 1,2

Fracture Uneven

Tenacity Brittle

Other ID Marks Efflorescent. A white powder will form on crystal surfaces of Laumontite from dehydration.

Crystal Habits

Usually in short prismatic crystals and in radiating groups. Also in columnar formations, bladed, acicular, grainy, massive, and in starbursts. On occasion found in single long prismatic crystals, which are very tall and sometimes in slender fishtail twins. Individual crystals have a diamond-shaped cross-section, and a distinctive angled termination.

3D Crystal Atlas

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Additional Information

Composition Hydrous calcium aluminum silicate

In Group Silicates; Tectosilicates; Zeolite Group

Striking Features Crystal formations and usual efflorescence.

Environment Most often in volcanic basalt cavities. Occasionally in altered cavities in metamorphic rock in hornfels and gneiss, and rarely in granite pegmatites.

Rock Type Igneous, Metamorphic

Other Names

Laumonite

Original name of Laumontite, changed in 1821 from Laumonite to Laumontite.

Varieties

Leonhardite

 -   Describing partially dehydrated opaque Laumontite, with a crumbly, powdery white habit.

Noteworthy Localities

Though Laumontite is not uncommon and is found in many localities, it is often just an accessory mineral and only occasionally in good crystals. Furthermore, since it is an unstable mineral, even specimens from good localities are not commonly encountered unless they are sealed for preservation. Only a few select localities are mentioned here.

The Indian zeolite localities in the state of Maharashtra are producers of fine Laumontite, especially at Mumbai (Bombay), Nasik, and Pune (Poona). Mumbai is especially noteworthy for its beautiful epimorphs of Prehnite after Laumontite, where the Prehnite grew around long prismatic Laumontite crystals and then the Laumontite dissolved.

In Europe, large, well-formed Laumontite crystal clusters were found in La Cabrera, Madrid, Spain. Small crystal groups come from Baveno and Beura, Piedmont, Italy; and small acicular clusters from Osilo, Sardinia, Italy.

In the U.S., very large, well-formed prismatic Laumontite crystals were found in the Pine Creek Mine, Bishop, Inyo Co., California. Small crystal groups come from the Bear Creek Quarry, Drain, Douglas Co., Oregon. Fine Laumontite crystals, often in association with other zeolites, come from Passaic Co., New Jersey, at the Upper New Street Quarry in Paterson, and nearby at Prospect Park.

Common Mineral Associations

Calcite, Prehnite, Heulandite, Stilbite, Chabazite, Apophyllite, Datolite, Chlorite

Distingushing Similar Minerals

The crystal habit and efflorescent nature of Laumontite can distinguish it from virtually all minerals.

laumontite Photos

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