New Mexico Mineral Symposium — Abstracts

Chabazite, (Ca,K,Na)₄(Al4Si₈O₂₄)•12H₂O, occurs as large, well-formed crystals in gas cavities in moderately altered basaltic andesite in the Bear Mountains, New Mexico. Crystals as large as 1.5 inches in diameter line cavities and are also associated with minor scalenohedral calcite and acicular, radiating mesolite, Na₂Ca₂(Al₆Si₉O₃₀)•8H₂O. Other large crystals from this locality have a crystal morphology similar to analcime, NaAlSi₂O₆•H₂O. A single x-ray diffraction analysis indicated a crystal structure of chabazite, but the analcime has not been confirmed.

The zeolite-bearing units are exposed in steep arroyos that have incised the Tertiary volcanic sequences in the area. The economic feasibility of the deposit is currently being evaluated although the size of the deposit appears small and significant tonnages are not expected.