Gehlenite, (Ca2Al[AlSiO7]), is a sorosilicate, Al-rich endmember of the melilite complete solid solution series with akermanite.

[2][3] The type locality is in the Monzoni Mountains, Fassa Valley in Trentino in Italy,[3] and is named after the Adolf Ferdinand Gehlen (1775–1815) by A.J.

Its occurrence in the early condensation phase of the solar nebula was predicted by Harry Lord in the 1950s, but studies of carbonaceous chondrites did not support this claim until the Allende meteorite was discovered in 1969.

[6] It is also found in diorite intruded carbonate rocks,[7] and to a far lesser extent in uncompahgrites,[8] melilitites,[8] alnoites,[9] lamprophyres and possibly kimberlite pipes.

Gehlenite has a Mohs hardness of 5–6, a vitreous to greasy lustre, distinct to good cleavage and is yellow brown, greenish grey or colourless.