Wairakite, the calcium analogue of analcime, a new zeolite mineral

Abstract

During the study of hydrothermal alteration of cores recovered Dfrom holes drilled at Wairakei during the exploration for geothermal steam, an unusual zeolite mineral was found. Optical, chemical, and X-ray data indicate that this zeolite is a new mineral, the calcium analogue of analcime. The name wairakite is given to the new mineral after the locality Wairakei in New Zealand. Wairakei is situated in the central part of the North Island, approximately 4 miles north-north-east from Lake Taupo, in an active volcanic region. The material was submitted to Dr. D. S. Coombs, Department of Geology, University of Otago, Dunedin, for an investigation of its X-ray crystallography.