DATOLITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES:  Datolite, pronounced DATE-oh-lite, was recognized as a mineral species and named in 1806.  Its name derives from the Greek dateisthai, meaning “to divide” and alluding to the tendency of granular aggregates to crumble easily into bits.  Notable collecting localities are in Russia, Canada, Norway, Mexico, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, and the United States (Michigan, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, California, and Colorado).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE:  Datolite [basic calcium borosilicate, CaBSiO₄(OH)] is an uncommon mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system and occurs as complex clusters of short-to-stubby, prismatic crystals and also as porcelain-like masses, aggregates, and botryoidal forms.  It has Mohs hardness of 5.0-5.5, no cleavage, a vitreous luster, an uneven-to-conchoidal fracture, and a specific gravity of 2.8-3.0.  It is usually transparent to translucent, but is occasionally opaque; it is most often colorless, white, or pale green, but can also exhibit a range of pale colors.  Datolite is a secondary mineral that forms primarily in cavities in basaltic rocks in association with calcite, prehnite, and zeolite minerals.  It also occurs as geode linings in tuff, and in skarn deposits and schists.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Metaphysical practitioners believe that datolite aids in the retrieval of lost memories from childhood and past lives, and sharpens mental ability in the areas of mathematical intelligence and abstract understanding.  Datolite has no technological applications.  It is a minor gemstone that is occasionally fashioned into cabochons and faceted gems.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION:  Collectors value datolite for its unusual crystals and range of pale colors.