How do I identify Mesolite?

Mesolite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Colorless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Mesolite?

Mesolite typically appears in Colorless, white, gray, yellowish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Mesolite?

Mesolite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Mesolite

A variety of Minerals

What is Mesolite?

Mesolite has a very unique shape, forming in long, almost thread-like crystals. Being made of calcium, sodium, and other soft elements, they are incredibly brittle. Large specimens have very hefty price tags and are titled by some as one of the mineral world's most visually attractive offerings!

Uses & Applications

Mesolite is sometimes used as a chemical filter, as its molecular structure makes it a natural "sieve" for small molecules. It does not have any other practical uses, and is rarely a gemstone for jewelry or mineral collections, due to its fragility and the rarity of large crystals.

Mesolite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Mesolite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Mesolite Localities Map

See where Mesolite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Mesolite

It was first described in 1816 for an occurrence in the Cyclopean Islands near Catania, Sicily. From the Greek mesos, "middle", as its composition lies between natrolite and scolecite. Like other zeolites, mesolite occurs as void fillings in amygdaloidal basalt also in andesites and hydrothermal veins.