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Leucophoenicite Zincite Chlorophoenicite & Pyrochroite

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LMB536076

Leucophoenicite Zincite Chlorophoenicite & Pyrochroite

Type Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Franklin Mine, Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States of America
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1.4 × 2.4 × 1.1 cm
Weight: 
12.00gr
Description

The Franklin Mine is co-type locality for zincite and type locality for leucophoenicite. Zincite was very common here, but apart from slag localities, it is almost unknown from anywhere else. Leucophoenicite was much less common, but locally abundant at Franklin. It is know from a few other localities, but only the Harstigen Mine has a representative on Mindat. Crystals of both species are very rare even from Franklin. The Buckwheat Pit of the Franklin Mine is the type locality for chlorophoenicite. I can’t tell if this specimen is from the Buckwheat pit, but it is certainly from the Franklin Mine. Chlorophoenicite is known only from here and the nearby Sterling Mine. It is uncommon but not rare here.

The specimen features several small, but well formed crystals of leucophoenicite, a few small zincite pyramids and chlorophoenicite sprays plus some very small crystals of pyrochroite. (These last two minerals are just minor accessories.) The leucophoenicite has a beautiful pinkish-lilac color. Crystals are rarely offered. But you will need 15-40X to view the various types of crystals.

The first photo (FOV 3.2 x 2.4 mm) shows several well formed leucophoenicite crystals. The brightly lit crystal just below the center of the photo is 0.6 mm long. Next to it, in the lower right corner is a hemimorphic zincite pyramid a bit < 1 mm tall. (In the photo, the zincite crystal is partly obscured by another leucophoenicite crystal. The pyramidal shape will be clearer when viewed with a binocular scope – but you will need about 20-40X.) The black stuff to the left of the leucophoenicite is pyrochroite in the form of very tiny (pseudo)cubic crystals. Near the center of the photo is a spray of tiny colorless chlorophoenicite crystals, the largest being ca 1/4  mm. You will need 50-60X to see these clearly.

A larger (ca 0.5 mm) chlorophoenicite spray is visible in the upper left corner of next photo (FOV 2.2 x 3.0 mm) which also shows more well-formed leucophoenicite crystals to about 0.8 mm.

The third photo (FOV 1.8 x 1.4 mm) is a close-up of one of the larger (1.0 mm) leucophoenicite crystals. Below it are three chlorophoenicite sprays. The one on the right spans 0.5 mm top to bottom.

The fourth (FOV 3.5 x 2.1 mm) photo shows two more of the larger leucophoenicite crystals, the largest one being 1.3 mm. These have a relatively darker, purplish, color.

The fifth photo (FOV 2.0 x 2.7 mm) shows another zincite xl about 1 mm on edge. The crystal is partly embedded and there is a ding at the tip of the pyramid.

The black stuff in the sixth photo (FOV 1.1 x 0.9 mm) is pyrochroite. The crystals are very small and only a few are well formed. The best ones are at top left. The two small pseudo-cubic crystals on top are 0.05 mm on edge. The larger one below them is about 0.1 mm.

In the full-view photo, most of the leucophoenicite crystals are in the cavity at top left.

The last photo (FOV ca X.Y cm) shows a close-up of this cavity.

Single item shipping weight is 3.5 oz. Note that USPS foreign packet rates recently increased significantly. It may be advantageous for foreign customers to hold an "open box" so as to reduce postage costs by combining items from a future auction. Let me know, and I will generate a new “item only” invoice. Postage will be invoiced when all items are actually shipped.

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 is $8.50 (including packing).

Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.

 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Leucophoenicite

Formula: 
Mn2+7(SiO4)3(OH)2
Strunz: 
9.AF.60
Hardness: 
5.5 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Franklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Zincite

Formula: 
(Zn,Mn2+,Fe2+)O
Strunz: 
4.AB.20
Crystal System: 
Hexagonal
Hardness: 
4.0
Type Locality: 
Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Chlorophoenicite

Formula: 
(Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6
Strunz: 
8.BE.35
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
3.0 - 3.5
Streak: 
colorless
Type Locality: 
Buckwheat pit (Southwest opening; Buckwheat Mine), Franklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Pyrochroite

Formula: 
Mn(OH)2
Strunz: 
4.FE.05
Hardness: 
2.5 - 3.0
Type Locality: 
Pajsberg Mine, Pajsberg, Persberg district, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden
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.