Stilbite from Pune, Maharashtra, India

This stilbite specimen comes from the Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pale to light pink stilbite crystals cover several areas of a darker basaltic matrix.

The stilbite forms bladed to fan-shaped aggregates. Individual crystals are intergrown into small tufts and broad groups and show a pearly to silky luster. With a length of 6.5 cm, the piece belongs to the small cabinet specimen size category.

Stilbite from the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra

The Pune district is one of India’s well-known source regions for stilbite and other zeolites. The area lies within the Deccan Traps, an extensive sequence of basaltic lava flows.

During and after the solidification of the basalts, numerous cavities remained within the rock. Mineral-bearing fluids later circulated through these cavities and fractures. This process formed stilbite and other secondary minerals such as apophyllite, scolecite, heulandite, and calcite.

The combination of bladed stilbite aggregates, pale pink coloration, and documented provenance makes this piece a characteristic mineral specimen from the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra.