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Pectolite

Pectolite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 4.5–5 and a silky to vitreous luster, usually white, gray or blue.

A sodium-calcium silicate of tough white needles. The compact blue variety from the Dominican Republic is larimar.

Pectolite specimen
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to identify pectolite

  • Splintery white masses or radiating needles.
  • Splinters easily — handle with care.
  • Hardness about 5. Blue compact pieces are larimar.

Often confused with

Where it's found

  • New Jersey
  • Dominican Republic
  • Italy
  • Quebec, Canada

Uses

Collector specimens; larimar for jewelry.

Rock tumbling

Not suitable for tumbling. Splinters. Compact larimar is the variety that is polished.

Did you know?

Ordinary pectolite splinters into sharp fibers. The stone people polish is the unusual blue material.

Pectolite FAQ

What is pectolite?

Pectolite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 4.5–5 and a silky to vitreous luster, usually white, gray or blue. A sodium-calcium silicate of tough white needles. The compact blue variety from the Dominican Republic is larimar.

How do you identify pectolite?

Splintery white masses or radiating needles. Splinters easily — handle with care. Hardness about 5. Blue compact pieces are larimar.

How hard is pectolite?

Pectolite has a Mohs hardness of 4.5–5. A steel knife scratches Pectolite, but a fingernail doesn't.

Where is pectolite found?

Notable localities include New Jersey; Dominican Republic; Italy; and Quebec, Canada.

What is pectolite used for?

Collector specimens; larimar for jewelry.

Can you tumble pectolite?

It isn't a good choice for a rock tumbler. Splinters. Compact larimar is the variety that is polished.

What is pectolite often confused with?

Pectolite is most often confused with Larimar and Wollastonite. Larimar is the blue gem variety of this mineral. Wollastonite is also splintery and white but lacks sodium and is usually in skarns.

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