Paulingite, a new zeolite, in association with erionite and filiform pyrite

A new zeolite, for which the name paulingite is proposed, has been found in vesicles in basalt from the Columbia River near Wenatchee, Washington. Paulingite is cubic, and occurs as perfect, transparent rhombic dodecahedra. The very large cubic cell has oo:35.10 + .O2 4,, and the space group is probably Ons Im3m. Ca and K are the chief cations, but Ba and Na are also present. The atomic ratio of Si to Al is roughly 3. In association with the paulingite is the rare zeolite erionite. It occurs as relatively large acicular hexagonal prisms, and also as tufts of very fine fibers. The hexagonal unit cell has dimensions o: 13.27 +.02 A, c:15.05 +.02 A, and the space group is either Dan4, Cua, or D:r,a. Erionite is a member of the chabazite group of zeolites. Also in association with the paulingite and erionite is pyrite of remarkable filiform habit.