Scapolite: The Rare and Fascinating Mineral with Vitreous Luster

Scapolite is a rare mineral species that belongs to the feldspathoid group of minerals. It is a hydrated aluminum silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Al,Fe2+)3(SiO4)3O(OH)2. Scapolite is typically found in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, and it is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, topaz, and tourmaline.

Scapolite has a vitreous to pearly luster and a white or colorless appearance. It has a relatively low hardness of around 5-6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a relatively soft mineral. Scapolite is also known for its perfect cleavage in one direction, which means that it can be easily split into thin sheets along specific planes.

Scapolite is named after the Greek word "scapos," which means "shoulder," due to the shape of the crystals. It was first discovered in 1842 in the Lengenbach quarry in Switzerland, and since then, it has been found in a number of locations around the world, including Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.

Overall, scapolite is a rare and interesting mineral that is prized by collectors for its unique properties and beautiful appearance.