Scolecite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Scolecite (pronounced SKOHL-uh-site) is a gemstone in the zeolite family beloved by collectors for its unique crystal habits and revered by crystal healers for its calming and cleansing energies. 

Among every crystal worldwide, none will have precisely the same formation as scolecite, making this a truly unique stone. Another fascinating property of scolecite is its ability to produce a temporary electrical charge under heat (pyroelectricity) or mechanical pressure (piezoelectricity). 

Want to know more? Tag along as we break down everything you need to know about the scolecite gemstone, from its properties to its prices. 

About Scolecite Stone

Scolecite is a semi-precious gemstone that’s commonly white or colorless, though it can be a few other colors. It may also be spelled “scoulerite,” though this spelling is more dated, or scolésite. 

In terms of names, though, scolecite has quite a few other monikers:

• Ellagite

• Mésotype

• Lime Mesotype

• Weissian

• Episcolecite / Episkolecite

• Acicular stone

At first glance, you may mistake scolecite for selenite. But how do you distinguish scolecite vs. selenite? 

For one, selenite is a hydrous calcium sulfate while scolecite is a hydrous calcium silicate. Selenite is also much more abundant than scolecite. The easiest identification technique, though, is hardness. 

As a gypsum variety, selenite is extremely soft, ranking at only 2 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. That means virtually any material except for talc will scratch selenite. In contrast, scolecite ranks at 5 to 5.5, about the same as a knife or glass plate. 

Scolecite Specifications & Characteristics

Scolecite is a hydrous calcium aluminum tectosilicate. The formula may be written as CaAl2Si3O10 · 3H2O, though the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) writes it as Ca(Si3Al2)O10 · 3H2O. Sodium and potassium impurities may be present. 

The scolecite mineral is part of the zeolite family, a group of tetrahedral aluminosilicates with a microporous structure. The family also includes thomsonite, natrolite, and mesolite. 

Natrolite and mesolite both have the same structure as scolecite, but mesolite and natrolite are orthorhombic while scolecite is monoclinic.

What Does Scolecite Look Like? 

Scolecite joins mesolite and natrolite in commonly forming needle-like (acicular) or fibrous crystal aggregates. 

Other shapes you’ll see scolecite form into are slim prismatic crystals (often in sprays or radiating clusters) or crystal twins. 

Twinned scolecite crystals may be contact twins (where they split off from a centerpoint to create two mirror-image crystals) or penetration twins (where they grow into each other, sharing a common but irregular center). One example of penetration twins you may know is the cross-shaped staurolite (a.k.a. “fairy cross”) crystal. 

Now, what is the streak of scolecite? It depends on what type of streak we’re talking about. The color of scolecite’s streak powder is colorless or white. On the other hand, in tumbled stones created from clusters of radiating needle-like crystals, you may still see streaks of the needles. 

Below are the remaining scolecite properties: 

• Mineral family: Zeolite

• Mohs hardness: 5 to 5.5

• Color: Colorless, white, pink, salmon, purple, yellow, red, green

• Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Pseudotetragonal (crystals)

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Silky (when fibrous)

• Transparency: Transparent to opaque

• Refractive index: 1.509-1.525

• Density: 2.16-2.40

• Cleavage: Perfect on {110} and {110}

• Fracture: Irregular/uneven

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Sometimes fluorescence - Yellow to brown in LW-UV & SW-UV

• Pleochroism: None

• Birefringence: 0.007-0.012

• Dispersion: Strong

Types of Scolecite

Though scolecite doesn’t have any specific varieties, you may see the term “peach scolecite” sometimes. So, what is peach scolecite? 

Peach scolecite is the name for peach-colored stilbite containing scolecite. Metaphysically, peach scolecite is believed to provide you with greater joy, creativity, and wisdom. 

Speaking of which, let’s look at scolecite’s spiritual meaning!

Scolecite Meaning & History

Scolecite’s meaning ties to many internal processes or feelings like inner peace, introspection, and self-healing. Somewhat similarly, the white scolecite meaning is one of profound spiritual love that envelopes your entire spirit immediately.

Astrologically, scolecite is a lucky zodiac stone for Capricorn. It also corresponds to the wind (or air) element, which is associated with intellect and exploration. 

Ever heard of yin and yang? If so, you may know they represent the balance and synergy of seemingly opposite forces, like light and dark. Scolecite corresponds to the Yin side, embodying receptive, feminine, and more mysterious energy.

Unsurprisingly, Yang is all about light, high energy, and masculine energies. Any introverts know the feeling of being in a crowded or high-energy environment and feeling the need to be alone and recharge. That said, you don’t have to be an introvert to take advantage of the self-care and introspection that scolecite’s Yin energy promotes.

History

The name “scolecite” comes from the Greek term skolex, meaning “worm.” This refers to the fact that scolecite will curl up like a worm under a blowpipe flame.

Two German chemists made the first discovery and description of scolecite in 1813: Adolph Ferdinand Gehlen and Johann Nepomuk von Fuchs. They published their findings in the Schweiz Journal of Chemistry and Physics. The discovery occurred in Kaiserstuhl, Germany.  

In the early 1800s, mineralogists were studying and breaking down the zeolite family. The natrolite group at the time (natrolite, mesolite, thomsonite, and scolecite) was initially named for containing fibrous forms of zeolite. Abraham Gottlob Werner suggested Faserzeolithe for example, while Rene Just Haüy suggested mesotype. 

When Fuchs and Gehlen discovered scolecite, they named it “skolezit” at first, then adjusted the name to “scolecite” later.

In the present day, what is scolecite good for? Besides being a great accessory, it’s great for crystal healing.

Scolecite Healing Properties

As with all gemstones, scolecite can be used in various ways as a healing stone. Some of the stone’s healing properties tie to its color. 

Pink scolecite, like other pink gemstones, is great for promoting self-love and acceptance. Meanwhile, white or colorless scolecite offers the cleansing and purifying properties of other white gems. In fact, scolecite’s cleansing properties are analogous to similar-looking selenite. 

Now, what about scolecite uses for physical, emotional, and chakra healing? 

Physical Healing

The purported physical benefits of using scolecite include better blood circulation, clear breathing, and healthier sleep patterns, particularly if you suffer from insomnia. 

This crystal is also used to help with:

• Parasites

• Immune system function

• Nervous system issues

Additionally, crystal healers recommend scolecite for helping to heal illnesses in the lungs, intestines, or eyes.

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, scolecite can provide emotional balance and relaxation, especially if you need re-centering after a hectic day. The crystal is overall incredibly calming, so its often used for treating anxiety disorders or panic attacks. 

Chakra Healing

Chakra healing is an ancient process of resolving negative symptoms associated with a blocked chakra (energy center) by opening and rebalancing it. Various gems can be used as different chakra stones. So, what chakra is scolecite associated with?

Scolecite is great for opening the third eye chakra, located in the center of your forehead. This chakra governs intuition and spiritual exploration. Using scolecite to open the chakra allows you to broaden your perspective and understanding of both the world and yourself. 

Scolecite Gemstone Properties

The value of a scolecite gemstone comes down to where it falls in the categories of color, cut, clarity, and transparency. 

Color

Most scolecite specimens are white or colorless, though the stone’s color range also includes shades of pink, purple, yellow, green, and gray. These other hues are caused by different mineral inclusions or elemental impurities. 

Unlike many stones where the rarest color is the most valuable, the most valuable scolecite color is usually snow white. That said, lower-quality scolecites can still be white, just less attractive shades.

Cut

Scolecite may occasionally be faceted, usually into rectangular shapes. More often, the stone becomes cabochons, tumbled stones, or carvings. Popular metaphysical carvings include scolecite spheres, pendulums, and towers. 

Collectors may also seek out raw scolecite specimens that have attractive crystal habits like sprays or twins. 

Clarity & Transparency

Clarity describes the amount of visible inclusions in a gemstone. Inclusions can also affect transparency. Scolecite is usually translucent, but transparent specimens are most valuable. Value increases with higher transparency. 

You’ll usually see scolecite as an inclusion in other gems, though, like quartz geodes or fluorite.

Inclusions sneak into stones while they’re forming, which brings us to our next topic!

Scolecite Formation & Sources

Scolecite is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms when other minerals are altered by conditions like weathering, heat, pressure, and hydrothermal alteration.

Minerals in the zeolite family often follow a sequence, altering from one mineral to the next due to external conditions — though the sequence depends on the rocks. 

Within volcanic rocks that are high or low in silica, scolecite forms from mesolite. Depending on the conditions, these scolecites may eventually turn into chabazite. 

The difference between the processes for low-silica vs. high-silica volcanic rocks is the beginning of each sequence. The sequence in rocks rich in silica start with clay that turns to quartz, while rocks low in silica start with cowlesite that turns to levyne. 

You’ll usually find scolecite within basalt rock cavities or alpine-type clefts (open, vertical fractures containing crystals). They also form inside the cavities of granite and syenite rocks. 

Mining Locations

Where is scolecite found? Scolecite forms in multiple continents around the world, including Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. 

The main source of scolecite today is India. However, Iceland boasts deposits of rare types of scolecite crystals. 

Additional notable sources of scolecite include:

• Brazil

• Czechia

• Russia

• Scotland

• South Africa

• Spain

• Switzerland (including the Swiss Alps)

Of course, price is a huge factor, so we’ll cover that next. 

Scolecite Price & Value

Good news: Most scolecite gemstones are quite affordable. The priciest option is faceted scolecite gems, which typically fetch around $200 per carat. 

Scolecite cabochon prices range from $0.15-$4 per carat at wholesale. Carved scolecite items like pendulums and towers are usually $5 to $25 each.

Most rough scolecite crystals are $10 to $30 each at wholesale, though large crystal specimens from retail sellers can reach close to $2,000. 

Lastly, we’ll discuss gemstone care. 

Scolecite Care and Maintenance

Maintaining scolecite’s appearance starts with choosing the right product, particularly for jewelry. Given its perfect cleavage and mid-range hardness, we recommend opting for scolecite jewelry with protective settings, especially vulnerable options like rings or bracelets. 

You can clean scolecite with a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft toothbrush dipped in the solution to gently scrub the stone. Rinse off any soap residue, then dry the stone with a soft, dust-free cloth. 

Be sure to keep scolecite away from any acids, as it will dissolve. Store the stone separately from other gems to avoid scratches. 

Ready to Score Some Scolecite? 

Whether you’ve heard of scolecite before or not, this is certainly an underrated gem. From its gorgeous pastel or snowy hues to its many spiritual benefits, scolecite may just be the perfect stone for you. 

Buy scolecite gemstones today!