Brandtite is rare from the Sterling Mine and was never found in the Franklin Mine. This specimen features numerous crystals to 1.5 mm. Most of the crystals are <= 1.0 mm long. You will need 15-30X to view them.

FOV in the first pair of photos is 3.0 x 2.3 mm, 2.6 x 2.3 mm in the second pair, 3.6 x 2.2 mm in the third pair, and 2.9 x 1.9 mm in the fourth pair.

The full view photos show the “front” (where most of the barndtite crystals are) and the “back” (where the larger crystal shown in the second pair of photos is).

The matrix is franklinite-willemite ore in calcite. I don’t know what the red stuff is. It seems to be just flakes.

This species is regularly available from Harstigen (Sweden) and Bavaria, but not often from the Sterling Mine.

Note that USPS foreign packet rates recently increased significantly. By using a small box and no case, I can keep the single item shipping weight to about 5.3 oz (150 g) for foreign customers. The specimen isn’t particularly delicate so that should work OK and keep the cost of postage from becoming outrageous (which is does above the 8 oz limit). Above a total weight of 8 oz (225 g) the quoted postage rate will increase by $6 to Canada and by $9 to other destinations.

This is not an issue for USA customers because there is just a nominal increase of $0.20 for each additional ounce. Above a total weight of 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail. Up to 16 oz, the “own box” Priority rate is $8.50 (including packing).

Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.