Characteristics of Pollucite:

Chemical Name: Cesium, sodium aluminosilicate

Formula: (Cs,Na) 2Al 2Si 4O 12·2H 2O

Colors: Colorless, white, pink, blue, violet

Structure: Cubic

Hardness: 6.5-7

Specific Gravity: 2.85 - 2.94

Refractive Index: 1.51-1.525

Lustre: Vitreous to greasy

Streak: White

Locations: Afghanistan, Elba, Italy, USA

What is Pollucite? 

Discovered in 1846, Pollucite is one of the two minerals named after Castor and Pollux, the Gemini twins in Greek mythology, although the other, castorite, has since been renamed petalite. Pollucite is found only in rare element-bearing deposits, where it occurs with other gem minerals such as spodumene, petalite, quartz and apatite. Facet-grade material tends to be very small, but crystals up to 60cm across have been found at Kamdeysh in Afghanistan. It also occurs in Italy and USA.