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Normandite With Carletonite & Pectolite

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LMB538192

Normandite With Carletonite & Pectolite

Type Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Mixed Specimens
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1 × 1.5 × 1 cm
Weight: 
3.00gr
Description

This lot consistins of two MSH type locality specimens (normandite and carletonite) plus well-terminated pectolite (a characteristic mineral of MSH). The dimensions given are for the first specimen (normandite). The second specimen (carletonite) is 1.1 x 3.6 x 2.2 cm and weighs ca 9 g. The third specimen (pectolite) is 2.0 x 3.0 x 1.7 cm and weighs 12g

The Poudrette quarry is the TL for normandite. Rarely, free-growing crystals are found in little cavities, but most, like the ones on the first specimen, are embedded in nepheline syenite. This is a fairly typical specimen for MSH. The crystals are naked-eye visible but you will need 10-15X to see them clearly.

FOV in the first photo is (2.4 x 3.6 mm). The second photo (FOV 5.6 x 3.9) is a broader view showing a few longer crystals. The third photo shows the entire specimen. Note: This (micro) specimen has been sawn on two sides.

MSH is also the type and only known locality for careletonite. Some of the carletonite crystals on the second specimen are shown in the next 4 photos. The main crystal in the first (pair?) of these photos is ca 2.5 mm tall. The second pair of carletonite photos shows a bi-color crystal (or crystals) about 6 mm tall. The crystal(s) show very complex growth (etch?) figures. The top of the crystal(s) appears to be terminated. But carletonite has perfect cleavage, so it can be hard to tell. In this case, the presence of small amphibole crystals and the fact that a small, pefect, carletonite crystal (not visible) overhangs this surface in the back, indicates that it is a true termination.

Careletonite is pleichroic. According to the Handbook of Mineralogy: “Pleochroism: Weak; O = very pale blue; E = very pale pinkish brown.” This can be observed by using polarizing filters. In some specimens, the change in color from blue to pinkish brown is quite startling. I would hardly call it “weak”. But it is more unusual to see pink and blue crystals side by side without the help of polarizing filters.

The third specimen features some perfectly formed, water-clear pectolite crystals with sharp, frosted terminations. The next two photos (FOV 6.0 x 4.3 mm) show the best ones (ca 2.7 mm). The small, glassy, crystals near the bases of the pectolite are thick tabular apophyllite.

I did not provide a full-view photos of the pectolite specimen. Hand held, there is nothing to see.

Combined shipping weight (small box) 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 is $9.25 (including packing).

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Normandite

Formula: 
NaCa(Mn,Fe)(Ti,Nb,Zr)(Si2O7)OF
Strunz: 
9.BE.17
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Poudrette quarry (Demix quarry; Uni-Mix quarry; Desourdy quarry; Carrière Mont Saint-Hilaire), Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Carletonite

Formula: 
KNa4Ca4Si8O18(CO3)4(OH,F)·H2O
Strunz: 
9.EB.20
Crystal System: 
Tetragonal
Hardness: 
4.0 - 4.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Poudrette quarry (Demix quarry; Uni-Mix quarry; Desourdy quarry; Carrière Mont Saint-Hilaire), Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Pectolite

Formula: 
NaCa2(HSi3O9)
Strunz: 
9.DG.05
Hardness: 
4.5 - 5.0
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Sano, Mori, Mt. Baldo, Lagarina Valley, Trento Province, Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-Südtirol), Italy
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.