Natrolite from the Richter Quarry near Hammerunterwiesenthal, Germany

This natrolite specimen comes from the Richter Quarry near Hammerunterwiesenthal in the Saxon Ore Mountains. Numerous fine natrolite crystals sit on a natural phonolite matrix.

The white to cream-colored crystals form dense, partly radial aggregates. Their surfaces appear matte to silky. The darker matrix remains visible in places between the crystal groups.

Measuring 6.5 × 5.0 × 4.2 cm, the piece belongs to the small cabinet specimen size category. It weighs 121 g.

Natrolite from a Phonolite Occurrence in the Ore Mountains

The Richter Quarry near Hammerunterwiesenthal is a well-known German locality for zeolite minerals. Larger cavities occur in the phonolite exposed there and may be lined mainly with natrolite, calcite, and thomsonite.

The zeolite minerals formed as mineral-bearing fluids circulated through fractures and cavities in the volcanic rock. Natrolite was deposited on the walls of these open spaces.

The fine crystal aggregates, phonolite matrix, and documented provenance make this piece a characteristic natrolite specimen from Hammerunterwiesenthal.