Stellerite

Stellerite – Ca4(Si28Al8)O72·28H2O
Class: Silicates – Tectosilicates
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Hardness: 4.5
Apatite
Talc (1)Diamond (10)
Softer than glass. A steel knife scratches it.
Origin: Rudny, Kostanay Region – Kazakhstan
Did you know?

Zeolites like stellerite are natural molecular sponges. Their structure is riddled with tiny channels that soak up water and trap other molecules by size, which is why engineered zeolites now soften water, fill cat litter, and clean the air in everything from refrigerators to spacecraft. Stellerite is a natural cousin of those industrial sieves.