Scapolite

Scapolite is commonly a mineral of metamorphic origin. It is grayish white which occurs in tetragonal crystals and in cleavable masses. For such color, it is sometimes also called Wernerite. It is a silicate of alumina and soda.

Scapolite is a member of the feldspathoid group of minerals consisting mixture of minerals marialite and meionite. It usually occurs in calcium-rich metamorphic rocks, especially schists, gneisses, and marbles. The name "Scapolite," refers to the thetypical shaftlike shape of the prismatic, white crystals.

The stone is found in pale yellow, colorless, pink chatoyant and violet chatoyant. The pale yellow scapolite is acquired from Brazil and the chatoyant types are from Burma and Russia. Other notable places where it is found are New Jersey, New York in USA, Norway, Mount Vesuvius, Italy, Mexico, Madagascar, Tremorgio and Switzerland. Its hardness is 5 - 6 and density, 2.5 - 2.8.

It is believed that purple scapolite helps to make important decisions in life. It helps one to slip into the meditative mind, usually to one who is new to meditation, more easily. Golden scapolite provides relief from aches and pains. Colorless scapolite rationalise life's problems, promotes deeper perception of the problems and gives information about the way to heal such problems. Some even believe that it increases memory and aligns the entire energy system. Yellow scapolite enhances growth in any area of life. It gives the energy needed to promote change, intensifies the clarity for goals, and also encourages independence.

Techinical Specification

Name	Moh's	Specific Gravity	Structure	Cleavage	Refractive Index	Double	Disp.	Pleochro	Fluorescence
Scapolite	5-6.5	2.57-2.74	Tetragonal	Perfect	1.540-1.560	-0.009 -0.020	0.017	Definite	Variable