CAVANSITE with STILBITE (small cabinet)

Cavansite, characterized by its chemical formula of calcium vanadium silicate, is a striking deep blue hydrous mineral belonging to the phyllosilicate group. This secondary mineral is typically found in basaltic and andesitic rock formations alongside various zeolite minerals, with its distinctive blue hue attributed to the presence of vanadium ions. First identified in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon, cavansite is considered relatively uncommon and exhibits polymorphism with the even rarer pentagonite. The mineral is predominantly located in Pune, India, and within the expansive Deccan Traps igneous province.

Stilbite refers to a group of tectosilicate minerals within the zeolite family. Originally classified as a distinct mineral species until 1997, it was redefined by the International Mineralogical Association to encompass a series, which includes the specific types of Stilbite-Ca and Stilbite-Na. Stilbite-Ca, the more prevalent variant, is a hydrous silicate composed of calcium, sodium, and aluminum, represented by the formula NaCa4(Si27Al9)O72·28(H2O). In contrast, Stilbite-Na features a higher sodium content compared to calcium. These two species appear identical to the naked eye, and the term stilbite continues to be used in contexts where detailed testing has not been conducted.