Description
Overview – Fine Zoned Green Apophyllite Cluster with Stilbite from Maharashtra, India
This listing features a fine-quality cluster of zoned green Apophyllite crystals with Stilbite sheaves, sourced from the Ahmadnagar District, northeast of Poona (Pune), Maharashtra State, Western India. This region is world-famous for producing some of the most visually striking and highly prized Zeolite mineral specimens ever discovered.
The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its crystal sharpness, colour zoning, aesthetic composition, and exceptional mineral contrast.
Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete confidence in its genuine natural origin.
Geological Background – Zeolite-Rich Basalt Formations of Maharashtra
The Deccan Traps of Western India form one of the world’s largest volcanic provinces, composed primarily of thick basaltic lava flows. Over millions of years, gas cavities (geodes), fractures, and vugs within these basalt layers were gradually filled with mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids. As these fluids cooled, a stunning array of Zeolite minerals—including Apophyllite and Stilbite—crystallised within the voids.
The Ahmadnagar district lies within this mineral-rich zone, where repeated cycles of volcanic activity and hydrothermal alteration created ideal conditions for the growth of beautifully formed crystals. Indian Apophyllite and Stilbite specimens are internationally recognised for their clarity, symmetry, and brilliance.
Mineralogy – Apophyllite (Green, Zoned) and Stilbite
Green Apophyllite (K–Na–Ca Phyllosilicate)
Apophyllite refers to a group of hydrated potassium, sodium, and calcium silicate minerals that crystallise in the tetragonal system. Green Apophyllite is particularly coveted due to its vibrant colour, which results from trace levels of iron or vanadium.
Key features of this specimen include:
- Zoned crystal growth, visible as subtle or vivid internal colour bands
- Highly lustrous crystal faces, producing mirror-like reflections
- Sharp, well-defined pyramidal terminations, typical of high-grade Apophyllite
- Transparent to translucent interiors, enhancing its visual depth
- Strong natural colour, varying from pale mint to rich apple-green tones
Apophyllite crystals often display perfect cleavage and visible internal phantoms, adding further mineralogical interest.
Stilbite (Ca–Na Zeolite Silicate)
Stilbite is a classic zeolite mineral, crystallising in the monoclinic system, and is known for its flowing, fan-like or sheaf-like aggregates.
Features visible in this specimen include:
- Soft, peach-to-cream Stilbite sheaves, forming elegant curved structures
- A pearly, silky lustre, contrasting beautifully with the glassy Apophyllite
- Characteristic bow-tie or fan morphology, typical of high-quality Stilbite
Together, Apophyllite and Stilbite create a visually stunning and mineralogically significant pairing.
Origin Environment – Hydrothermal Mineralisation in Basalt Cavities
This specimen formed when silica-rich and alkaline hydrothermal fluids percolated through fractures in the basalt flows of the Deccan Traps. Over time, open pockets allowed:
- Apophyllite to crystallise slowly in sharp, geometric forms
- Stilbite to grow later in curved, fibrous sheaves
- Zoned colouration to develop as fluid chemistry changed during growth
These conditions produced some of the world’s finest zeolite combinations, making specimens from Maharashtra highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Aesthetic and Collectible Value
This fine mineral cluster offers a dramatic combination of:
- Glassy, bright, zoned green Apophyllite crystals
- Elegant, soft-textured Stilbite sheaves
- Strong natural contrast and aesthetic presentation
Such specimens are prized in mineral collections, interior décor displays, educational settings, and museum-quality assemblages. The interplay of crystal shape, colour zoning, and mineral association makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Your Specimen
This crystal cluster has been hand-selected for its outstanding form, colour, and mineral pairing. The photographs represent the exact specimen available, and full sizing is clearly displayed in the listing images.
Your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing this is a genuine green Apophyllite and Stilbite specimen from Ahmadnagar District, Maharashtra State, Western India.
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