Cavansite
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Mineral NameCavansite
Chemical FormulaCa(VO)Si4O10·4H2O
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorbluish white
Cleavageperfect on {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.27
Colorsblue, deep blue, greenish blue
Transparencytransparent/translucent
Type LocalityWagholi, Ahmadnagar, Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector
Associated Mineralsstilbite, apophyllite, heulandite, calcite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features vibrant, deep blue cavansite crystals forming radiating aggregates, often appearing as spherical or botryoidal clusters, set against a light-colored, granular matrix.
Geological Context
Cavansite is a secondary mineral that forms in basaltic rocks, typically found lining vugs and amygdules in volcanic flows. It crystallizes from hydrothermal solutions at relatively low temperatures.
