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Strontianite Gmelinite Na & Dolomite

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LMB167776

Strontianite Gmelinite Na & Dolomite

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
3 × 6.5 × 2 cm
Description

The dolomite rhombs (to about 4-5 mm) are naked eye visible. For the strontianite and gmelinite you will need 10-20X. The main photo (FOV 6.7 x 4.5 mm) shows three strontianite sprays with acicular xls to 1.4 mm growing on dolomite. Strontianite is uncommon at MSH but can be locally abundant. In this case, there are only 2-3 additional, smaller, sprays. The second photo shows colorless, transparent gmelinite-Na xls (the largest 1.2 mm) growing on a do0lomite xl just < 4 mm tip to tip. The gmelinite looks yellowish because of the dolomite and is darker in parts because of pyrite “smears” on the back. The colorless nature of the gmelinite is more evident from the xls at bottom left. Gmelinite is common at MSH, and there are a few larger xls on the specimen. But it is not abundant in this case. The third photo shows the largest (~ 2 mm) gmelinite xl as well as a couple of smaller ones. The fourth photo (FOV 6.2 x 4.1 mm) shows one of the other strontianite sprays, very small and medium sized dolomite along with rosettes of a mica – probably muscovite. (According to the MSH rarity tables – Lapis 7/8 2000 – muscovite is very rare in hornfels. But that seems to be a typo. In my experience, it may not be found often, but when found it is very abundant.) Unfortunately the rosettes don’t show up well in the photo – partly because they are similar in color to the dolomite. The dark stuff is pyrite – mostly distorted. Weight 1.9 oz.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Strontianite

Formula: 
SrCO3
Strunz: 
5.AB.15
Crystal System: 
Orthorhombic
Hardness: 
3.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Strontian, North West Highlands (Argyllshire), Scotland, UK

Gmelinite

Synonym Of: 

Gmelinite-Ca

Formula: 
(Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12]·6H2O
Strunz: 
9.GD.05
Hardness: 
4.5

Gmelinite-K

Formula: 
(K2,Na2,Ca)[Al2Si4O12]·6H2O
Strunz: 
9.GD.05
Hardness: 
4.5

Gmelinite-Na

Formula: 
(Na2,Ca)[Al2Si4O12]·6H2O
Strunz: 
9.GD.05
Hardness: 
4.5
Group Parent: 
Zeolite Group

Dolomite

Formula: 
CaMg(CO3)2
Strunz: 
5.AB.10
Crystal System: 
Trigonal - Rhombohedral
Hardness: 
3.5 - 4.0
Streak: 
White
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.