STILBITE PINK, Poona India (miniature)

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 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.

The specimen is much pinker in reality. Due to the light when picture was taken, the color gets distorted.