Analcime Zeolite Crystal Loanhead Quarry Beith Scotland UK Specimen From Alice Purnell Collection with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Analcime Zeolite Crystal – Loanhead Quarry, Scotland

This excellent Analcime crystal specimen originates from the famous Loanhead Quarry, Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland, UK. Carefully selected from the Alice Purnell Collection, this is a genuine natural mineral specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, and full sizing details can be found in the listing images.

Analcime from Scottish localities is highly regarded by collectors for its distinctive crystal form, classic zeolite associations, and strong locality interest within British mineral collecting.

Mineral Information – Analcime (Zeolite Group)

Analcime is a member of the zeolite mineral group, composed of hydrated sodium aluminium silicate with the chemical formula NaAlSi₂O₆·H₂O. It crystallises in the cubic crystal system, which gives rise to its characteristic symmetrical crystal habits.

Analcime commonly forms well-shaped trapezohedral crystals, often appearing as bright white, colourless, or pale grey sparkling faces on dark volcanic matrix. The crystals typically display a vitreous to slightly pearly lustre, making them visually striking even in small cabinet specimens.

Zeolites like Analcime form in low-temperature volcanic environments and are valued for their delicate crystal structures and attractive associations with other secondary minerals.

Geological Formation – Loanhead Quarry, Beith

Loanhead Quarry is one of Scotland’s most recognised mineral localities, historically known for producing excellent zeolite specimens. The quarry exposures cut through basaltic volcanic rocks formed during ancient lava flows.

As these basalt rocks cooled, gas bubbles and cavities became trapped within the lava, creating voids known as vesicles. Over time, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids circulated through these cavities, depositing secondary minerals such as Analcime and other zeolites.

This process results in beautifully crystallised mineral pockets, often featuring sharp, well-developed Analcime crystals lining the interior of the volcanic host rock.

Scottish zeolite localities such as Beith are internationally important for collectors, offering classic examples of zeolite mineralisation within basalt environments.

Collector Appeal and Display Qualities

Analcime is a highly collectible zeolite mineral due to its distinctive geometric crystal forms and strong aesthetic contrast against volcanic matrix. Specimens from Loanhead Quarry are especially sought after because the locality is well documented and has produced some of the UK’s finest zeolite examples.

This specimen is ideal for:

• Zeolite and mineral collectors

• Scottish and UK locality collectors

• Natural history and geology displays

• Educational collections focused on volcanic mineral formation

• Unique gifts for collectors and enthusiasts of British minerals

Analcime has also been traditionally associated with spiritual symbolism in some cultures, though it is primarily valued today for its mineralogical structure, crystal habit, and geological significance.

Authenticity and Provenance

This Analcime specimen is a genuine natural mineral from Loanhead Quarry, Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland, and comes from the Alice Purnell Collection. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming its authenticity as a real mineral specimen.

You will receive the exact piece shown in the photographs, carefully chosen for its quality, crystal form, and collector presentation.

A Scottish Analcime from this classic zeolite locality represents an excellent addition to any mineral collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into volcanic mineral processes and the rich geological heritage of North Ayrshire.