Cavansite For Sale

Cavansite, whose name is derived from its chemical composition, calcium vanadium silicate, is a deep blue phyllosilicate mineral. It occurs in basaltic and andesitic rocks and is typically associated with zeolites. Cavansite tends to form deep blue crystal aggregates, generally in the form of balls up to a couple centimeters in size. The vast majority of cavansite comes from the Deccan Traps, a large igneous formation in the Pune Province of India and one of the largest volcanic features on Earth.

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Cavansite: The Vibrant Blue Gem Of Zeolite Minerals

Cavansite is a visually captivating mineral, celebrated for its vibrant blue color and delicate, needle-like crystals. As a relatively rare mineral, cavansite is highly prized by collectors and gem enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its brilliant blue hue and crystal formations that resemble tiny clusters of flowers or bursts of color, cavansite is truly unique. In this article, we’ll explore cavansite’s chemical composition, formation, notable localities, and its appeal in the world of mineral collecting.

Cavansite is a hydrous calcium vanadium silicate mineral whose name "cavansite" derives from its elemental composition—Ca for calcium, V for vanadium, and Si for silicon. Cavansite’s color ranges from deep, electric blue to greenish blue, with transparency that can vary from translucent to opaque, depending on the sample. This mineral often forms small, rounded clusters of radiating, needle-like crystals, which can also grow in rosette shapes, resembling tiny blue flowers or stars on the matrix of a host rock.

Due to its fragile structure and the delicate nature of its crystals, cavansite is rarely used in jewelry but is highly valued as a display specimen. The color and crystal habit are unique, making cavansite a coveted find in the world of mineral collecting.

How Cavansite Forms

Cavansite forms in volcanic environments, specifically in cavities within basaltic lava flows where hydrothermal activity is present. Over time, mineral-rich fluids deposit calcium, vanadium, and silica within these voids, allowing cavansite to crystallize in an environment rich in zeolite minerals. Zeolite minerals are a group of silicate minerals that form in similar volcanic cavities and often accompany cavansite, which is why cavansite specimens are frequently found alongside minerals like stilbite, heulandite, and apophyllite.

The mineral’s vivid blue color is attributed to its vanadium content. Cavansite crystallizes in a relatively low-temperature environment, forming delicate clusters within hollow spaces in basalt and other igneous rocks. Its crystal clusters can range in size, with some larger examples growing up to a few centimeters, although smaller specimens are more common.

While cavansite can be found in a few places around the world, the majority of high-quality specimens come from a single location in India:

Wagholi Quarry, Maharashtra, India: The Wagholi Quarry near Pune is the most famous and prolific source of cavansite in the world. The specimens from this region are renowned for their intense blue color, radiating crystal clusters, and association with other zeolite minerals. This quarry has produced the majority of the cavansite seen in collections, and many consider it the finest source of the mineral due to the quality, color, and crystal form found here.

Oregon, USA: Cavansite is also found in small quantities in the United States, particularly in certain basalt flows in Oregon. However, these specimens are usually smaller and less vibrant than those from India, making them more of a rarity for collectors.

Due to the mineral’s limited occurrence, finding cavansite outside these regions is rare, and specimens from any locality other than Wagholi are especially prized among collectors. Cavansite’s appeal lies primarily in its intense color and rare formation. The vibrant blue shade of cavansite is nearly unmatched among minerals, with only a few, like azurite and some forms of blue tourmaline, offering similar visual intensity. However, unlike those minerals, cavansite’s needle-like crystals and floral clusters provide an aesthetic that is uniquely its own.

Due to the mineral’s fragility, handling cavansite specimens requires care, as the fine crystals can easily break or become damaged. In addition, cavansite often occurs in association with a matrix of soft basalt or other zeolite minerals, which further increases the risk of damage during handling or shipping. As a result, high-quality, undamaged specimens are especially valuable and are often carefully mounted in display cases to protect them.

Collectors often seek cavansite as a standout piece for display, with color and crystal quality being the primary factors that affect its value. Well-formed, richly colored clusters of cavansite from the Wagholi Quarry are considered some of the finest, and larger, pristine specimens can command premium prices.

Featured Photos

Vibrant Blue Cavansite Clusters on Stilbite - India #168249

Cavansite: The Vibrant Blue Gem Of Zeolite Minerals

How Cavansite Forms

Featured Photos