Chemical Formula: NaCa2Si3O8(OH)

Chemical Name: Sodium Calcium Silicate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Inosilicates

Mineral Notes:  Pectolite is sometimes confused with several other similar looking minerals including okenite, wollastonite and arthinite. It is often found in cavities and fissures in basalts and is therefore frequently associated with Zeolites. A particualry beautful sky-blue variety has been discovered in the Bahamas and Domican Republic, and when polished to a high gloss, given the name Lorimar.

Description: A thick band of highly crystalline Pectolite sandwiched between two layers of grey matrix. The Pectolite's crystal form can easily be seen and takes the form of thin parallel needles spanning the width of the band. The thinness means that in some places the crystals produce a chatoyant effect resembling Tiger's Eye. In some places, especially on the reverse, the crystals are bundled into fan-shaped aggregates.

Location: Kostalov, Czech Republic.