PAULINGITE

    Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Tectosilicates
    Crystal system : Cubic
    Chemistry : (Ca,K,Na)7(Si,Al)42O84 34-44H2O
    Rarity : Rare

Paulingite is a rare zeolite known in basalt cavities, where it accompanies calcite, pyrite and other zeolites (erionite). It was named in honor of the chemist Linus Carl Pauling who established the fundamental laws of crystal chemistry. Paulingite crystals are usually equant, dodecahedral in habit, sometimes slightly striated and systematically millimetric. Paulingite is colorless, bright yellow or orange.

Main photo : Paulingite from Three Mile Creek, Ritter, Oregon, USA © Douglas Merson

Paulingite from Vinarice, Kladno District, Czech Republic © Bohuslav Bures
Paulingite from Vinarice, Kladno District, Czech Republic © Petr Fuchs
Paulingite from Rock Island Dam, Washington, USA © Douglas Merson
Vinarice Paulingite, Kladno District, Czech Republic © Volker Betz

Paulingite in the World

Paulingite sites are few in number, although this mineral is present in classic zeolite deposits in the United States, Ireland, Canada and Germany. The largest known crystals come from the Giant's Causeway and Portrush (Northern Ireland), as well as Ritter (Oregon). It is also found in Vinarice (Czech Republic) in magnificent transparent millimeter dodecahedra with orange hearts.

Paulingite in France

Paulingite is not present in the French underground.

Twinning

No twin known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 5
Density : 2.08
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : White

TP : Transparent
RI : 1.473 to 1.484
Birefringence : 0
Optical character : None
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : -

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None