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Cryolite & Synchysite-(Ce) Psm Petersenite-(Ce)

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LMB184672

Cryolite & Synchysite-(Ce) Psm Petersenite-(Ce)

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
2 × 2.7 × 1.4 cm
Description

Crude, etched, crystals of cryolite associated with synchysite-(Ce) pseudomorphs after petersenite-(Ce) typical of the Poudrette pegmatite. I have used reflections to try to bring out the cryolite etch figures and relict faces. The cryolite is large enough to be naked eye visible but, because of the watery index of refraction, you will probably not see very much unless you use 10X and play around with the reflections as I have done. The first photo shows one of the larger (2.2 mm) crystals. In the second photo, the cryolite spans 5.3 mm top to bottom. The crystal shown in the first photo is on the back/side of this aggregate. By Ivigtut standards, these crystals are runts. Larger crystal occur at MSH as well, but they are almost invariably encrusted by zeolites. The third photo shows the largest (5.1 mm) of the pale tan synchysite pseudomorphs. It is incomplete at both ends. “Terminated” examples do exist, but they are not common. Note that, at least at the left end, the incompleteness is probably due to natural processes – there are tiny albite (?) blades growing where the termination should be. Weight (including TN box) 0.5 oz. Single item shipping weight 2.5 oz. Up to 4 oz, this can be combined with other items for the same postage.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Cryolite

Formula: 
Na3[AlF6]
Strunz: 
3.CB.15
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
2.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Ivigtut Cryolite deposit, Ivittuut (Ivigtut), Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland

Synchysite-(Ce)

Formula: 
Ca(Ce,La)(CO3)2F
Strunz: 
5.BD.20c
Hardness: 
4.5
Type Locality: 
Narsaarsuk pegmatite (Narssârssuk pegmatite), Narsaarsuk Plateau, Igaliku (Igaliko), Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland

Petersenite-(Ce)

Formula: 
Na4(Ce,La,Nd)2(CO3)5
Strunz: 
5.AD.15
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
3.0
Type Locality: 
Poudrette quarry (Demix quarry; Uni-Mix quarry; Desourdy quarry; Carrière Mont Saint-Hilaire), Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
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.