40 - Thomsonite

Hello friends, Welcome to the  Mineral Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur. 

I am Thomsonite, a rare and fascinating mineral that belongs to the zeolite group. My chemical composition is primarily sodium-calcium aluminosilicate, often with additional elements such as potassium, magnesium, and water molecules incorporated into my structure. One of the most striking features is my spherical or botryoidal crystal formations, which give me a unique and eye-catching appearance. I am typically found in volcanic or hydrothermal environments, where I form as a result of the alteration of volcanic glass or basaltic rocks rich in calcium and sodium. My porous nature and ability to absorb water make me useful in certain industrial applications, such as water purification and as a molecular sieve. 

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