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Kraisslite Allactite & Chlorophoenicite

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LMB164612

Kraisslite Allactite & Chlorophoenicite

Type Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States of America
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
4 × 5 × 2 cm
Weight: 
100.00gr
Description

The Sterling Mine is the type, and only known, locality for kraisslite. This specimen features  kraisslite in association with allactite and chlorophoenicite, two other rare minerals. (Apart from a Lavrion slag locality, chlorophoenicite is know only from here and from the nearby Franklin Mine.) The kraisslite has been analyzed (EDS) – see the “Analysis” tab.

The first pair of photos (FOV 4.2 x 6.0 mm) is a close-up of one area of the specimen where all three of the principal minerals are found together. At top right is a patch of typical “flaky” bronze-brown kraisslite. At top left are red-brown allactate blades to ca 1.7 mm. The yellowish area at bottom is chlorophoenicite. the chlorphoenicite needles span ca 2.7 mm. the two small (0.5 mm) brownish balls on either side of the chlorophonicite are also allactite. Similar material from another fragment was analyzed and found to be allactite.  (See the third scan under “Analysis”.)

The second pair of photos (FOV 2.5 x 3.6 mm) shows the allactite blades at higher magnification. To see them like this, you will need about 30X.

The third pair of photos (FOV 1.3 x 1.4 mm) is an extreme close-up (60X) of one of the allactite “balls” and the chlorophoenicite.

The next photo (FOV 6.8 x 4.5 mm) shows one of the areas with just kraisslite. This is followed by a pair of extreme close-ups (FOV 1.4 x 2.2 mm) showing the flaky nature of the kraisslite. (But these are not very good photos).

The full-view photo shows that the kraisslite runs in a band ca 1.5-2 mm wide down the center of the specimen. The area shown in first pair of photos is at the center in the full-view photo. The matrix is calcite poor franklinite-willemite ore.

Reagarding the Kraisslite ID: This specimen is ex Ewald Gerstmann (gerstmannite) who certainly knew his Franklin and Sterling stuff. But some have suggested that the bronzy flakes on this specimen might be “Mineral D” (of Dunn), which is an (Fe, Mg, Mn,) arsenite or arsenate with some Zn - related to hematolite. I don’t think the scan for the flakes from this specimen is a good match for mineral D, but some have disagreed. So I have included a scan from a well identified kraisslite specimen. The scans look essentially identical to me.

Single item shipping weight 5.2 oz. For non-USA destinations, up to a total weight < 8 oz, this can be combined with other items for the same postage. Within the USA, each additional ounce costs about $0.20.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Kraisslite

Formula: 
Zn3(Mn,Mg)25(Fe3+,Al)(As3+O3)2[(Si,As5+)O4]10(OH)16
Strunz: 
8.BE.45
Crystal System: 
Hexagonal
Hardness: 
3.0 - 4.0
Type Locality: 
Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Allactite

Formula: 
Mn2+7(AsO4)2(OH)8
Strunz: 
8.BE.30
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
4.5
Type Locality: 
Moss mine, Nordmark (Nordmarksberg), Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden

Chlorophoenicite

Formula: 
(Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6
Strunz: 
8.BE.35
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
3.0 - 3.5
Streak: 
colorless
Type Locality: 
Buckwheat pit (Southwest opening; Buckwheat Mine), Franklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Kraisslite Allactite & Chlorophoenicite
Analysis Report - only: Kraisslite Allactite & Chlorophoenicite
Analysis Report - only: Kraisslite Allactite & Chlorophoenicite
LMB minerals

Seller Information

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Seller's terms and conditions

In addition to the standard terms and conditions, please note the following. Almost all IDs are visual. While in most cases the ID is obvious, there may be cases where it is not. If you are doubtful about a particular ID, please ask for more information. Or do not bid! Similarly, if you are not sure that the specimen meets your criteria, do not bid. I have tdone the best I can with the photos. Nevertheless, if you are not happy with a specimen for any reason, I will refund the bid price – but not the shipping costs (unless the fault is clearly mine) – if the specimen is returned. This policy applies even if analysis of the specimen shows that my ID was incorrect. When in doubt, ask - or don’t bid. Note that most crystals at MSH and Varennes are micros - even if on large specimens. Please pay attention to the stated sizes. Any customs duties, fees etc. are the responsibility of the buyer.