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Leifite Eirikite Polylithionite & Manganoneptunite

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LMB188707

Leifite Eirikite Polylithionite & Manganoneptunite

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
4 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm
Description

This is a fairly large sample of leifite/eirikite from the famous 1988 find. It consists of several intergrown, radiating, aggregates to about 2 cm diameter. The specimen is partly encrusted by polylithioned (which fluoresces a fairly bright yellow SW). There are contacts//breaks on two sides which reveal the radiating structure. They are not unattractive – see the macro photos. The first photo (FOV 6.1 x 4.6 mm) shows a close-up of some terminations. At the right angle of illumination, these terminations are revealed to be mirror like. But it is very difficult to show that in a photo without getting unacceptable blowouts. The last photo shows a small (1.3 mm), but typical, crystal of manganoneptunite (surrounded by polylithionite flakes). It is the only one on this specimen. You will need 15-20 X to view it. There are also a few small orange/pink sérandite crystals. Note: It is generally impossible to distinguish leifite from eirikite at MSH. Even EDS may not suffice, because many specimens have borderline compositions. However, some specimens from this 1988 find have been shown to have both leifite and eirikite, so I think the joint label is justified even though this particular specimen has not been analyzed. Weight 1.6 oz (2.4 oz with case). Single item shipping weight without case 3.6 oz. Actual postage according to total weight of all items (and cases if desired).

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Leifite

Formula: 
(Na,H2O)Na6[Be2Al2(Al,Si)Si15O39]F2
Strunz: 
9.EH.25
Hardness: 
6.0
Colour: 
Colorless
Type Locality: 
Narsaarsuk pegmatite (Narssârssuk pegmatite), Narsaarsuk Plateau, Igaliku (Igaliko), Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland

Eirikite

Formula: 
KNa6Be2(Si15Al3)O39F2
Strunz: 
9.EH.25
Hardness: 
6.0 - 0.0
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Eudidymite-Epididymite locality, Vesle Arøya, Langesundsfjorden, Larvik, Vestfold, Norway

Polylithionite

Formula: 
KLi2Al(Si4O10)(F,OH)2
Strunz: 
9.EC.20
Hardness: 
2.0 - 3.0
Type Locality: 
Kangerluarsuk Fjord (Kangerdluarssuq Fjord), Ilímaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland

Manganoneptunite

Formula: 
Na2KLi(Mn2+,Fe2+)2Ti2[Si8O24]
Strunz: 
9.EH.05
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0
Colour: 
Red
Type Locality: 
Maly Mannepakhk Mt (Malyi Mannepakhk Mt), Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...
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.