Gmelinite

specimen number:
2354187

location:
Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

description:
Attractive glistening orange crystals of gmelinite to 0.4 cm in size covering an area across the top of matrix measuring approximately 3.5 x 2.5 cm in size. In great condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jack Nieburger.

The Antrim Plateau in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is dominated by thick layers of Paleogene basalt formed around sixty million years ago during major volcanic activity associated with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. As these extensive lava flows cooled and contracted, hydrothermal fluids circulated through vesicles and gas cavities in the rock, depositing a diverse group of secondary zeolite minerals. County Antrim became historically famous in the nineteenth century as mineralogists and local collectors explored coastal cliffs, sea caves, and inland basalt quarries such as those near Glenarm and Portrush. Among these secondary occurrences, gmelinite is particularly famous, featuring well-formed hexagonal dipyramidal crystals ranging from orange and peach to flesh-red in color. While commercial basalt quarrying has historically provided fresh access to these mineral pockets, much of the coastline is now protected, making classic Antrim gmelinite specimens highly prized historical items in museum and private collections.

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