GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Pink Scolecite
A zeolite-rich specimen, with stilbite-group minerals and scolecite considered the likely constituents. The researcher found more stilbite-group material than scolecite and left open the possibility of rarer zeolite species.
Tested specimen: 92903 (#3) · Report completed: April 14, 2022
Supplied locality: Not supplied. Locality is supplied background, not independently established by the analysis.
What the report shows
This is not a report of pure scolecite. The stilbite-group material is mainly sodium- and calcium-rich. Small holes appear to have been filled with epoxy, described in the report as stabilization of the friable zeolite material.
View the original report
Select any report page to enlarge it. A text transcript is available below.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 2: Backscattered electron images of two areas the specimen.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2 (stilbite group likely)
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 2 in Fig. 2. (scolecite most likely)
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Element map: This map shows where the named elements occur within the analyzed area. Its colors represent the laboratory’s selected element channels, rather than the specimen’s visible colors. The caption below preserves any color key or distribution noted by the laboratory.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 5: X-ray map of the area shown in Fig. 2, Sodium: yellow, calcium: red, carbon: blue.
Read the report transcript
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 92903 (#3)
Submitted by: K. Bitner
Date submitted: April 5, 2022.
Date completed: April 14, 2022.
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 26 mm working distance, 15 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon. Using the X-ray fluorescence attachment with 35 kV potential in conjunction with the EDS system.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimen. 4.5 cm maximum dimensions.
Fig. 2: Backscattered electron images of two areas the specimen.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2 (stilbite group likely)
Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 2 in Fig. 2. (scolecite most likely)
Fig. 5: X-ray map of the area shown in Fig. 2, Sodium: yellow, calcium: red, carbon: blue.
Table 1: Minor and trace element composition of the specimen. (in wt. %).
Calcium
7.5
Iron
0.02
Manganese
0.02
Potassium
0.01
Sodium
5.3
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is composed mainly zeolites. Scolecite (Figs. 2 and 4) and stilbite group species (Figs. 2 and 5) are the likely candidates but there are several other rarer species possible as well. There is more of the stilbite group present than scolecite and the stilbite group is mainly the sodium and calcium-rich members. The potassium-rich member is not present in any significant amount (Table 1). It appears that some stabilizing was done, small holes have been filled with epoxy, noticeable in Fig. 5 where carbon shows up). With zeolites being somewhat friable, this is a good idea.
Date: April 14, 2022 Signature