Mineral Species: Okenite 

Chemical Formula: CaSi2O4(OH)2.H2O

Chemical Name: Hydrated Calcium Silicate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Phyllosilicate

Mineral Notes: Okenite is a very unusual mineral forming aggregates which resemble "cottonball" clusters. These are composed of straight, radiating, needle-like thin, crystals. They make for very attractive specimens and often accompany several rare species such as Gyrolite and many of the zeolites. Okenite typically forms in volcanic basalts in the shortage of silica. It is named after the German naturalist Lorenz Ocken (1779-1851), of Munich.

Description: Spherical clusters and individual needle-like crystals of cream-white Okenite. The mineral is very lustrous and the needles are very gemmy because of very strong reflections. The crystals in the matrix cavity are protected and therefore there is absolutely no damage showing their unique shape and form. A superb display specimen.

Location: Khandivali Quarry, Maharashtra, India.