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Epistolite

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LMB518595

Epistolite

Analyzed find
Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Demix-Varennes Quarry, Varennes & St-Amable, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
3.5 × 4.2 × 2.5 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.07cm
Weight: 
37.00gr
Description

Epistolite is a rare mineral, found in only a few alkaline localities worldwide.

Material from this find was analyzed in three different labs by various methods, including long exposure XRD and microprobe (among others). All three concluded that the stuff is epistolite. (Some preliminary work indicated vounnemite, but, in the end, the consensus was epistolite. Apparently distinguishing epistolite from shkatulkalite and vuonnemite is a lot trickier than one might think. For one thing, they are often intermixed.)

The crystals on this specimen are small. The aggregate shown in the first close-up photo is only about ½ mm x ¾ mm, and some crystals are partial. Nonetheless, this is epistolite, which is a great rarity in the Saint-Amable sill (and not exactly common anywhere else). Moreover, unlike most of the crystals from this find, they actually look like epistolite from, say, MSH. Also note that, unlike most crystals from other localities, these are free-standing.

The next pair of photos (FOV 1.6 x 1.3 mm) is a “closer-up” view of the same crystals.

There are a couple of equally small partial crystals in another part of the cavity (not shown).

Single item shipping weight  4.1 oz. Outside the USA, the stated postage and packing rate applies up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g).

Within the USA, there is a nominal increase of $0.20 for each additional ounce; above 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail. Up to 16 oz, the “own box” Priority rate (including packing) is ca $9.25 (varies by destination). 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Epistolite

Formula: 
Na2(Nb,Ti)2(Si2O7)O2·nH2O
Strunz: 
9.BE.30
Hardness: 
2.5 - 3.0
Type Locality: 
Nunarssuatsiaq, Tunulliarfik Fjord (Tunugdliarfik), Ilímaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Epistolite
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.