Stilbite from the Aurangabad District, India – Large Pink Crystals on Matrix

This Stilbite specimen from the Aurangabad District in Maharashtra, India, shows numerous pale brown to pinkish Stilbite crystals on a basaltic matrix. Particularly striking are two large, clearly projecting crystals measuring approximately 4.4 cm and 3.5 cm in length.

Measuring 9.8 × 6.3 × 3.0 cm and weighing 164 g, this is a cabinet specimen. In addition to the two dominant crystals, the surface is covered by numerous smaller Stilbite crystals that are densely intergrown and give the specimen a strongly crystallized, three-dimensional appearance.

Large Stilbite crystals on densely crystallized matrix

The Stilbite crystals show a pink to salmon-pink coloration. The two largest crystals are robustly developed and stand out clearly from the surrounding crystallization.

The smaller crystals occur densely on and between the larger crystals and locally form compact groups. This creates a varied crystallization with crystals of different sizes and several three-dimensionally developed areas.

The luster varies depending on the crystal face and ranges from subtle to noticeable.

Stilbite from the Aurangabad District in Maharashtra

The Aurangabad District in Maharashtra is one of the well-known zeolite-bearing areas within the Deccan Trap basalts. Numerous secondary minerals formed in cavities and fractures within the volcanic rocks, including Stilbite as well as other zeolites and associated minerals.

Typical associated minerals documented from the Aurangabad District include Apophyllite, Heulandite and Calcite. However, the associated mineralization on this specimen has not been identified precisely, so no additional mineral species are assigned to the specimen itself

This characteristic Deccan Trap mineralization makes Stilbite from Maharashtra especially interesting to collectors and distinguishes the material from Stilbite originating from other regions.