Description
The mineral pollucite is a hydrated cesium-sodium-aluminum silicate with the chemical formula (Cs,Na)2Al2Si4O 12·(H2O). This tecto-silicate belongs to the zeolites. The transparent, colorless, white, gray, pale pink, or blue pollucite has a dull to vitreous luster, a white streak color, and the mineral exhibits no cleavage. Its crystal system is cubic. Pollucite has an average density of 2.9, a hardness of 6.5, and its radioactivity is barely measurable. Its gamma ray value, according to the American Petroleum Institute, is 484.85. The mineral pollucite is named after the Greek mythological figure Pollux, twin brother of Castor, because of its resemblance to castorite (petalite). Pollucite is a relatively rare zeolite due to its cesium content and is formed in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites. The type locality is on Elba, Italy. It is also found in the Shigar mine, Dossu, Skardu, Pakistan.
