Spectacular Cavansite Crystals on Stilbite - India

Cavansite, the name of which is derived from its chemical composition, calcium vanadium silicate, is a deep blue, crystal-forming mineral. It occurs in basaltic and andesitic rocks and is typically associated with zeolites. Discovered in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon, cavansite is a relatively rare mineral. The vast majority of it comes from the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province and one of the largest volcanic features on earth, in the Pune Province of India.

Cavansite tends to form deep blue crystal aggregates, generally as balls up to a couple centimeters in size. These balls are typically found on top of zeolite beds. Because of its rich color and relative rarity, cavansite is sought after by mineral collectors.