What is "aerinite"

n. (context mineral English) A blue mineral with monoclinic crystals, calcium₄(aluminum,iron³⁺,magnesium, Fe²⁺)₁₀silicon₁₂oxygen₃₅(Ohydrogen)₁₂carbonO₃·12water.

Aerinite ( Ca( Al, Fe, Mg) Si O(O H) CO·12 HO) is a bluish-purple inosilicate mineral. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and occurs as fibrous masses and coatings. It has a dark, vitreous luster, a specific gravity of 2.48 and a Mohs hardness of 3.

It is a low-temperature hydrothermal phase occurring in zeolite facies alteration of mafic rocks. Associated minerals include prehnite, scolecite and mesolite.

Its name comes from a Greek root "aerinos," meaning "atmosphere" or "sky".