Datolite

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DatoliteDatolite is quite a popular mineral among collectors. It occurs in white, colorless, yellowish, brown, green and (rarely) orange, reddish or gray. The name is derived from the Greek `Dateisthai', meaning "To Divide" referring to the fact that the mineral crumbles quite easily.First discovered in the Connecticut River valley, USA in 1806, occurrence of Datolite has been reported in Russia; the Lake Superior region of Michigan and Paterson, New Jersey, USA; Bancroft, Ontario, Canada; Charcas, Mexico; Schwarzwald, Germany, Africa and Norway. Datolite is formed from Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide [CaBSiO4 (OH)]. It ranks 5 to 5.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness with a Specific Gravity of 2.8 to 3.0. Datolite belongs to the Datolite/Gadolinite minerals group (named after its two most common members). Members of the group include: Datolite, Bakerite, Gadolinite, Hingganite, and a few other rare minerals. The minerals contain alternating borate and silicate that are connected to each other in a sheet like structure.Datolite occurs in two distinct forms: as discrete, vitreous crystals and as massive nodules. The massive variety actually has a cauliflower-like surface, the form valued by collectors for its beauty as a lapidary material. Massive Datolite, colored by copper and other minerals, is found in size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Such nodules range from white to red, reddish-brown, and orange (the most valuable), and are usually cut as cabochons or sliced and polished for inlay-work. Pink Datolite is also called "Sugar Stone".Andrew Pacholyk LMT, MT-BC, CAPeacefulmind.comTherapies for healingmind, body & spirit