Scapolite Minerals

Scapolite is a group of silicate minerals that are typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. These minerals are members of the tectosilicate subclass of silicates, which means they have a complex crystal structure characterized by a three-dimensional framework of silica tetrahedra. Scapolite minerals have a chemical formula that varies within the group but is generally represented as (Na,Ca)4(AlSi3O12)(Cl,CO3,SO4), where Na represents sodium, Ca represents calcium, Al represents aluminum, Si represents silicon, Cl represents chlorine, CO3 represents carbonate, and SO4 represents sulfate. The name "scapolite" is derived from the Greek word "skapos," which means "shaft" or "stem," referring to the elongated prismatic crystals that are often observed in scapolite specimens.