Marialite
A variety of Minerals
What is Marialite?
Marialite is a silicate mineral with a chemical composition of Na4Al3Si9O24Cl if a pure endmember or Na4(AlSi3O8)3(Cl2,CO3,SO4) with increasing meionite content. Marialite is a member of the scapolite group and a solid solution exists between marialite and meionite, the calcium endmember. It is a rare mineral usually used as a collector's stone. It has a very rare but attractive gemstones and cat's eye.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.540-1.550
- Birefringence
- 0.004-0.008
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial negative
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Marialite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Marialite Localities Map
See where Marialite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Marialite
Marialite was first described in 1866 for an occurrence in the Phlegrean Volcanic complex, Campania, Italy. It was named by German mineralogist Gerhard vom Rath for his wife, Maria Rosa vom Rath. Marialite occurs in regional and contact metamorphism: marble, calcareous gneiss, granulite and greenschist. It also occurs in skarn, pegmatite and hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. This means that Marialite is formed in high pressure and/or high temperature environments.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, bluish, brownish, yellowish, violet, greenish
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5 - 6
- Density
- 2.54 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na4Al3Si9O24Cl
- Elements
- Al, Cl, Na, O, Si
Also Known As
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Marialite FAQs
How do I identify Marialite?
Marialite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Marialite?
Marialite typically appears in Colourless, white, bluish, brownish, yellowish, violet, greenish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Marialite?
Marialite has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of marialite of Marialite?
Marialite was first described in 1866 for an occurrence in the Phlegrean Volcanic complex, Campania, Italy. It was named by German mineralogist Gerhard vom Rath for his wife, Maria Rosa vom Rath. Marialite occurs in regional and contact metamorphism: marble, calcareous gneiss, granulite and greenschist. It also occurs in skarn, pegmatite and hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. This means that Marialite is formed in high pressure and/or high temperature environments.
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