What is Datolite?
Datolite is a calcium boron silicate found as pale granular or botryoidal aggregates and attractive crystals in cavities and veins.
Mineralogy and structure
The reference formula is CaBSiO4(OH). Datolite commonly forms compact rounded aggregates whose fine texture can be more diagnostic than colour. It is a distinct monoclinic mineral, not a variety of prehnite.
Colour and appearance
Typical colours include colourless, white, pale green, yellow, pink. Its granular, botryoidal, prismatic habit and vitreous, pearly lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and localities
Datolite forms in or is associated with hydrothermal veins, basalt cavities, skarns and contact-metamorphic rocks. Important documented localities include the United States, Norway, Russia, Mexico, Canada and Greenland.
Collecting and care
Datolite is best kept as a labelled reference or collector specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and avoid cutting or grinding unknown material. Lead-, arsenic-, vanadium- and copper-bearing specimens are for display and careful handling only.
Datolite in popular symbolism
Some modern crystal guides associate Datolite with zodiac signs or symbolic themes based on colour, locality or collecting tradition. These associations vary between sources and are cultural interpretations, not mineralogical or medical properties.
