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Pyrochlore

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LMB503602

Pyrochlore

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
0.6 × 1.1 × 0.7 cm
Description

By “pyrochlore” I mean “pyrochlore group”.  Which species occur at MSH has not yet been determined.

 

“Pyrochlore” is not rare at MSH, but the crystals are generally tiny, the largest being perhaps 1 mm. The largest crystals on this specimen are only about 1/6 mm – but that is not atypical. One does not hunt for such stuff on purpose. You will need 30-50X to view the crystals,

The crystals are strung on aegirine needles and look very pretty under a scope, despite their small size. Also strung on the aegirine are tiny (0.5 mm) crystals of albite that look as if they are floating in air (top left) and very thin plates of catapleiite that look like mica (top right).

There are two, or perhaps three generations of aegirine here. In addition to the very thin needles and much larger and darker crystals, there are very beautiful, transparent, crystals of intermediate size. (One or more of these generations might be an amphibole rather than aegirine. One can not tell using quick and dirty EDS.)

Single item shipping weight (with MM case) 2.9 oz. Above a total shipping weight of 4 oz, there may be a nominal increase in postage. Outside the USA, this could be sent (along with up to 2-3 other micros) in a padded envelope for $7.

Collected: 
5/96
Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Pyrochlore

Synonym Of: 

Pyrochlore Group

Formula: 
A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z
Strunz: 
4
Hardness: 
5 - 5.5
Group Parent: 
Pyrochlore Group
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.