Yugawaralite Explained

Yugawaraite
Category:	Zeolite group
Formula:	CaAl2Si6O16 · 4H2O
System:	Monoclinic
Color:	Colorless, pink, or white
Cleavage:	Poor, indistinct
Tenacity:	Very brittle
Mohs:	4.5-5
Luster:	Vitreous, pearly
Streak:	White

Yugawaralite is a clear or pinkish mineral of the Zeolite group.^{[1] [2]} It was first described by Sakurai and Hayashi (1952) near a waterfall by some hot springs near Yugawara.^[3]

Etymology

Yugawaralite is named after the town Yugawara, where it was found.

Location

Yugawaralite is found in geothermally active areas such as Japan.^[4] In Japan, yugawaralite is found on Honshu, where Yugawara is the type locality. In India, it is found in small amounts. Other locations where it has been found is Washington, Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, British Columbia, Iceland, Sardinia, and Reunion island.

Alaska

In Alaska, yugawaralite is found about 40miles east of Fairbanks, Alaska. In this site, yugawaralite has been recorded up to 8mm long.

Japan

In Yugawara, the crystals are found at Fudō Falls in a layer of the Neogene.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Yugawaralite . 2022-08-03 . www.mindat.org.
2. Web site: Yugawaralite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information . 2022-08-03 . International Gem Society . en.
3. Eberlein . G. Donald . Erd . R.C. . Weber . Florence . Beatty . L.B. . New Occurrence OF Yugawaralite from the Chena Hot Springs Area, Alaska . The American Mineralogist . 1971 . 56 . September–October 1971 . 5 August 2022.
4. Web site: 2001 . Yugawaralite . 2024-01-28 . RRUFF . Mineral Data Publishing.
5. Web site: 天然記念物 - 四季彩のまち湯河原公式ホームページ . 2024-01-28 . Yugawara Town . ja.