Epistilbite
Classification:
Epistilbite is a zeolite, and related to stilbite; compare to stilbite, zeolite.
Synonyms/Trade Names:
Zeolite.
Chemistry/Composition:
Ca(Al2Si6O16)×5H2O.
Structure:
All zeolites are built by groups of silicon or aluminum atoms in a tetrahedral oxygen configuration. The tetrahedra are linked by sharing all oxygen atoms. Large cavities and channels contain the cations. These are relatively loosely bond and induce a broad variation of chemical composition. The structural differences between the members of the zeolite groups are related with the various linkages of the rings of tetrahedra. The specific structure of epistilbite is still not determined.
Crystallographic Constants:
8.920 17.730 10.210 90.000 124.330 90.000.
Crystal Group:
Monoclinic.
Color:
colorless or white.
Optical Properties:
nx=1.502-1.505 ny=1.510-1.515 nz=1.512-1.519.
Pleochroism:
None, and colorless in thin sheets.
Powder Diagram:
3.45 8.89 3.21 3.87 (19-213).
Natural Sources:
Iceland, Great Britain (Scotland), and Switzerland.
Medical Importance:
Key Hazards:
Possibly fibrogenic, possibly mutagenic.
Involved Organs:
Probably lung.
Exposure/Epidemiology:
Exposure or technical use is not known.
Thresholds:
In Germany, MAK 6 mg/m3.
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Detailed data are not known.
Lung Diseases:
Associated specific diseases are not known; however, the mineral is listed by the ISO, i.e., possibly fibrogenic and mutagenic forms exist.
Clinical Presentation:
Associated specific symptoms are not known.
Radiology:
Associated specific findings are not known.
Lung Function:
Usually normal findings.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
Usually normal findings.
Pathology:
Gross:
The lungs are of normal color and consistency.
Histology:
The alveoli can contain an increased number of macrophages, and collections of brown dust particles may be seen in the lymphatic tissue.
Prognosis:
Usually good and without serious sequelae.
Additional Diseases:
None.
References:
search Pubmed for Epistilbite