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Pectolite
Pectolite,
as mineral, is confused with other minerals like okenite,
wollastonite, artinite and few others. The name "Pectolite"
has been derived from the Greek word "Pectos" which mean "well
put together." This semi-precious stone occurs in white or
colorless, gray, light yellow, light brown, light blue, and light
pink.
Physically, pectolite is very sharp and can easily puncture skin, if
not handled properly. It is composed of Sodium Calcium Silicate
Hydroxide and sometimes even, manganese. Pectolite is found in
cavities of basalt in the igneous environments and it is always,
almost, associated with zeolites. This stone is popular among
collectors for its interesting radiating "blobs."
It is believed that pectolite softens, enlightens and even heals in a
physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual way. In 1828, the stone was
discovered in Mont Balto and Mont Monzoni (Italy). Few decades ago, in
the Dominician Republic, an ocean blue variety of pectolite was
discovered. It was given the name of Larimar. Even this is popular in
the semi-precious stone world.
Pectolite is found in California, Paterson and Franklin - New Jersey
in the USA, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Italy and England. the
specific gravity of the stone is 2.7 - 2.9 and hardness on Mohs scale
is 4.5 - 5.
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