Chemical Formula: (Ca,Na2,K2)3Al6Si10O32·12H2O
Name Origin: Named after William Phillips (1775-1829), English mineralogist and founder of the Geological Society of London. Na modifier added by zeolite nomenclature committee.
Phillipsite is a mineral series of the zeolite group; a hydrated potassium, calcium and aluminium silicate, approximating to (Ca,Na2,K2)3Al6Si10O32·12H2O. The members of the series are phillipsite-K, phillipsite-Na and phillipsite-Ca. The crystals are monoclinic, but only complex cruciform twins are known, these being exactly like twins of harmotome which also forms a series with phillipsite-Ca. Crystals of phillipsite are, however, usually smaller and more transparent and glassy than those of harmotome. Spherical groups with a radially fibrous structure and bristled with crystals on the surface are not uncommon. The Mohs hardness is 4.5, and the specific gravity is 2.2. The species was established by A. Lévy in 1825 and named after William Phillips. French authors use the name Christianite (after Christian VIII of Denmark), given by A. Des Cloizeaux in 1847.
Phillipsite is a mineral of secondary origin, and occurs with other zeolites in the amygdaloidal cavities of mafic volcanic rocks: for example in the basalt of the Giants Causeway in County Antrim, and near Melbourne in Victoria; and in Lencitite near Rome. Small crystals of recent formation have been observed in the masonry of the hot baths at Plombires and Bourbonne-les-Bains, in France. Minute spherical aggregates embedded in red clay were dredged by the Challenger from deep sea sedimenary deposits in the Pacific Ocean.
History
Discovery date : 1825
Town of Origin: ACI CASTELLO, SICILE
Country of Origin : ITALIE
Optical properties
Optical and misc. Properties: Fragile, cassant – Transparent – Translucide – Opaque – Macles possibles
Refractive Index : from 1,48 to 1,51
Axial angle 2V: 60-80°
Physical properties
Hardness : from 4,00 to 4,50
Density : 2,20
Color : colorless; white; reddish yellow; reddish; yellow; yellowish; yellowish white
Luster : vitreous
Streak : white
Break : irregular
Cleavage : Yes
Photos:
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