EPISTILBITE
Specimen ept-1

Dims:3.1x1.9x1.2" (7.9x4.8x3.0 cm)

Wt: 2.1oz. (60g)

Jalgaon, Maharashtra state, India

This specimen consists of a geode-like cavity in basalt matrix. Within the cavity are several radial sprays of epistilbite crystals. There is no noticable damage, and individual blades of the epistilbite show excellent monoclinic form. I found this to be a quite impressive and aesthetic specimen.

Dims:2.0x0.8x0.7" (5.1x2.0x1.8 cm)

Wt: 0.4oz. (12g)

Osilo, Sassari, Sardinia

The vuggy basalt matrix of this specimen serves as host for an excellent small prismatic crystal of epistilbite. The cavity is lined with white drusy quartz. The epistilbite, a reddish-brown color, contrasts nicely with the quartz. The crystal is small, measuring only 0.1" (0.3cm). A loupe yields a good view of this monoclinic mineral. There is no visible damage to this specimen.

Dims: 2.74x2.34x1.76" (6.95x5.94x4.46cm)

Wt: 6.62oz (187.3g)

Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

This is a beautiful specimen, displaying a large, round cluster of epistilbite in a cavity of the host rock. The individual crystals are colorless and transparent, and have a diamond-shaped cross section with roof terminations. They are neatly organized into a (partial) spherical cluster that appears white due to the interaction of the individual crystals. This cluster rests on a crust of a very dark greenish-black mineral, organized as tiny balls with a radial growth pattern. Under a loupe, it reminds me of some barite or selenite balls, or of hematite, but I do not believe it is any of these, given its origin. If you recognize it, please let me know! There are two other spots on the specimen with exposed epistilbite and this green-black mineral, but these areas are incomplete.