What is "mesolite"

Mesolite \Mes"o*lite\ (?; 277), n. [Meso- + -lite.] (Min.) A zeolitic mineral, grayish white or yellowish, occuring in delicate groups of crystals, also fibrous massive. It is a hydrous silicate of alumina, lime, and soda.

n. (context mineralogy English) A mineral with monoclinic crystals, sodium₂calcium₂aluminum₆silicon₉oxygen₃₀'''·'''8water, of the zeolite group.

Mesolite is a tectosilicate mineral with formula Na Ca( Al Si O)·8 HO. It is a member of the zeolite group and is closely related to natrolite which it also resembles in appearance.

Mesolite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and typically forms fibrous, acicular prismatic crystals or masses. Radiating sprays of needlelike crystals are not uncommon. It is vitreous in luster and clear to white in color. It has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5 and a low specific gravity of 2.2 to 2.4. The refractive indices are nα=1.505 nβ=1.505 nγ=1.506.