Moving mountains for you
Switch currency

Current Live Auctions

Current Live Fixed Price Sales

Fersmanite & Lamprophyllite

Views:
Watches:
LMB173232

Fersmanite & Lamprophyllite

David Shannon, ex Steffen Möckel (1995).

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Eveslogchorr Mountain, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
3 × 4 × 3.5 cm
Description

This specimen has several fersmanite xls to about 9 mm. There are no euhedral faces, but some of the contacts with the matrix (second photo) appear to be linear, so perhaps there are faces hiding in there.

The color of the fersmanite is like watery coffee (or strong tea). It is associated with green aegirine blades and lamprophyllite – third and fourth photos. The larger lamprophyllite xl in the third photo is bi-terminated and a bit < 2 mm long. The smaller xl has a cross-section more typical of lamprohyllite, but it is only partial. The fourth photos shows 7.3 mm of a larger xl. At a quick glance, it looks like astrophyllite, but I don’t think it is, partly because several smaller (partial) xls on the specimen show “typical” lamprophyllite form, and this one shares some of those characteristics. But I’m not sure. I don’t have much experience with Kola. The xl is partly embedded in – something. It shows up in the upper left in the macro photo.

The matrix appears to be feldspar, but there may be more than one species. Some of it looks altered and almost looks like epistolite or some other alteration product of vuonnemite. But these are not found at this locality.

Weight 1.7 oz. Single item shipping weight 2.8 oz. Up to a total weight <= 4 oz, this can be combined with other items for the same postage.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Fersmanite

Formula: 
Ca4(Na,Ca)4(Ti,Nb)4(Si2O7)2O8F3
Strunz: 
9.BE.72
Hardness: 
5.5
Type Locality: 
Vein No. 1 of Labuntsov, 3rd left tributary of Vuonnemijok river (Astrophillytovyi stream), Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Kola peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...

Lamprophyllite

Formula: 
(Sr,K,Ba)2(Na,Ti,Mn2+,Fe3+)4Ti2(Si2O7)2O(O,OH,F)
Strunz: 
9.BE.25
Hardness: 
2.5
Colour: 
Yellow
Type Locality: 
Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...
LMB minerals

Seller Information

Payment options: offline, paypal_wpp, paypal_wps

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.