Stilbite

Stilbite is a group of zeolite minerals, chiefly stilbite-Ca and stilbite-Na, known for distinctive sheaf-shaped crystal aggregates and water-bearing aluminosilicate frameworks.

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Zeolite: A group of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals with porous frameworks that can exchange ions and reversibly host water. Stilbite is one member of this mineral group, sharing its porous, water-bearing framework.
Zeolite framework: A three-dimensional network of linked tetrahedra containing channels and cavities in a zeolite. Stilbite’s framework provides sites for water molecules and exchangeable cations.
Deccan Traps: A vast volcanic province in western and central India formed by successive eruptions of basalt lava. Basalt cavities in this province are renowned for well-formed stilbite specimens.
Heulandite-Ca: The calcium-dominant species of the heulandite group, a zeolite group distinct from stilbite. It resembles stilbite in composition and occurrence but has a different framework structure.
Stilbite-Ca: The calcium-dominant species in the stilbite mineral group. It is the most familiar stilbite species and gives the group its characteristic crystal habit.
Cation exchange: The reversible replacement of positively charged ions held within a material by ions in a surrounding solution. Exchangeable calcium and sodium help differentiate stilbite species and their compositions.
Basalt: A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock formed when basaltic lava cools at or near Earth's surface. Stilbite commonly grows in cavities within basalt flows.
Desmin: A historical mineral name formerly used for stilbite, especially for its sheaf-shaped crystals. The name reflects older classification; modern mineral nomenclature recognizes stilbite species.
Stilbite-Na: The sodium-dominant species in the stilbite mineral group. Its sodium-rich composition distinguishes it from the calcium-dominant stilbite-Ca.
Zeolitic water: Water held within a zeolite's pores and channels rather than forming part of its framework bonds. Water occupies stilbite’s cavities and can be lost or regained as conditions change.