The Mineral goosecreekite

Goosecreekite is a rare and coveted member of the zeolite group. It is a relatively new mineral, only being recognized by the IMA as a distinct mineral species in 1980. Goosecreekite is named after its type locality at the New Goose Creek Quarry in Leesburg, Virginia.

Chemical Formula	CaAl₂Si₆O₁₆ · 5(H₂O)
Composition	Hydrous calcium aluminum silicate
Color	Colorless, white
Streak	Colorless
Hardness	4
Crystal System	Monoclinic
Crystal Forms and Aggregates	Crystals are in rounded prismatic groups, and in globular or hemispherical, ball-like formations. Crystals are usually in wedge-shaped crystals. Rounded or globular forms usually have individually recognizable crystals on the rounded edges, which are often spiky or grainy.
Transparency	Transparent to translucent
Specific Gravity	2.3 - 2.5
Luster	Vitreous, pearly
Cleavage	1,1
Fracture	Uneven
Tenacity	Brittle
In Group	Silicates; Tectosilicates; Zeolite Group
Striking Features	Formation habits and localities.
Environment	In air vesicles in volcanic basalt and in diabase veins.
Rock Type	Igneous
Popularity (1-4)	3
Prevalence (1-3)	3
Demand (1-3)	1

Goosecreekite AUCTIONS

POLYMORPHS

Epistilbite

USES

Goosecreekite is a rare mineral that is highly desired by collectors. Its only practical use is as a high-end mineral for collectors, especially zeolite collectors.

NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES

The most significant locality for Goosecreekite is Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India. Other localities in the state of Mahrashtra are Nasik, Pune (Poona), and Mumbai. In the U.S., micro crystals of Goosecreekite were found in the New Goose Creek quarry, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS

Quartz, Calcite, Heulandite, Stilbite, Apophyllite, Prehnite

goosecreekite PHOTOS