Can anyone help identify this?

This specimen is 11cm x 8cm x 4 cm,
On all sides it is a mass of clustered crystals, mostly dull grey in colour, some greenish and dark. Termination of these crystals is mostly flat with a few have rounded points.
The size ranges from .5 cm to 1. 5 cm and one or two nearly 2cm.
I found it in a rock dump of an old mine in Gatineau Park, Quebec, Canada.
Also, would it help if I used SIO or some other cleaner?
thank you for any help.
John

It suppose it to be 'scapolite'; white diopside is a lesser possibility.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2011 08:52AM by Erik Vercammen.

Good options, but possibly also tremolite. Have a look at the cleavages and cross sections of the crystals to see what matches best.

Regards,
Ralph

]Thanks Erik and Ralph...wow, for a novice this is a bit daunting...3 possibilities. I'm not sure what that means Ralph...what should I be looking for in the cleavages and "cross sections" ( not sure what that means).



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2011 01:37AM by John Montgomery.

I looked up the possible minerals found in this location (old mine) and scapolite is mentioned

Hi John
to identify minerals takes a bit of time and study, but if you look at the relevant Mindat pages or a good mineral book you should see photos and diagrams, as well as text, describing the crystal forms and cleavages, and if you study these you will see how they may relate to your specimen ( a good hand lens or microscope is usually needed). Tremolite with have two good cleavages at ~120^o, while diopside has two at about 90^o, and scapolite has poorer, more complex cleavages. You will note the crystal forms differ too, especially if you look down the long axis to see the cross section shapes.

Regards,
Ralph

Much obliged,Ralph, for taking the time to write and help me out. I am definitely trying to study up on these things you mentioned and am finding Mindat and its generous members like yourself very very helpful.
Thanks again, and a Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!