Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonSilicates
Datolite
CaB(SiO4)(OH)
This specimen features well-formed, blocky to tabular crystals of pale yellowish-green datolite, exhibiting a distinct vitreous luster. The crystals are translucent to transparent, showcasing their characteristic monoclinic habit.
Datolite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
poor/indistinct on {001}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.95Colors
colorless, white, pale green, yellow, pink, brownTransparency
transparentType Locality
Charcas, Municipio de Charcas, San Luis Potosí, MexicoMineral Group
SilicatesUses
collector, gemstoneAssociated Minerals
prehnite, epidote, calcite, zeolites, native copperRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Datolite is typically found in hydrothermal veins, amygdules, and contact metamorphic zones, often associated with mafic igneous rocks such as basalt. It forms from the alteration of calcium-rich silicates in the presence of boron-bearing fluids.
