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Hetaerolite & Hodgkinsonite

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LMB177074

Hetaerolite & Hodgkinsonite

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States of America
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
5 × 4.5 × 1.6 cm
Description

Numerous sharply formed hetaertolite xls in several groups along with a crust of tiny (< 1/5 mm) pinkish hodgkinsonite xls. FOV in the first close-up photo is 3.5 x 2.4 mm. To bring out the shapes of the xls I used reflections. However, that makes the hetaerolite look silvery, when in “reality” the xls are jet black. But it is nearly impossible to show how sharp the xls are without resorting to reflections. The second close-up shows what happens when you try. All the xls in a group just merge into an inscrutable blob with only a few edges clearly visible (due to reflections). This photo shows the same xls as the first, but it is a broader view with FOV 3.5 x 4.5 mm. Even under a scope, the xls will look indistinct or even broken, unless reflections are used to reveal the shapes. In any case, you will need 15-30X to view them. There are several other groups of hetaerolite xls, some larger, but it is just too frustrating to photograph them.

The third photo shows a patch of hodgkinsonite 6.8 x 4.6 mm. There is also a small cluster of hetaerolite in the upper left of this photo. For the hodgkinsonite you will need at least 50-60X to see individual xls – although, en masse, it is easily visible to the naked eye. The hodgkinsonite was verified at the EDS level on another fragment from this find. The matrix is calcite poor willemite-franklinite ore.

Note: This specimen is from the Sterling Mine – not the Franklin Mine. Hodgkinsonite from Franklin generally has a much deeper color and, when not massive, comes in much larger xls. However, these remain the only known localities (now long closed) for this mineral.

Weight 4.0 oz. Single item shipping weight (small box) 6.0 oz. Outside the USA, items with a combined weight < 8 oz could be shipped for the same cost as this item alone.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Hetaerolite

Formula: 
ZnMn2O4
Strunz: 
4.BB.10
Hardness: 
6.0
Colour: 
Black
Type Locality: 
Passaic pit (Marshall Mine; Passaic Mine), Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Hodgkinsonite

Formula: 
Mn2+Zn2(SiO4)(OH)2
Strunz: 
9.AE.20
Hardness: 
4.5 - 5.0
Type Locality: 
Franklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA
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.