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Thomsenolite & Hydrokenoralstonite

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LMB544358

Thomsenolite & Hydrokenoralstonite

Type Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Ivigtut, Ivittuut, Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1 × 1.3 × 0.6 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.20cm
Weight: 
2.00gr
Description

This is a very nice micro completely covered with sharp, free standing crystals of themsenolite. Most of the crystas are prismatic, but there are also some of the pseudo-cubic habit. There are also a couple of "ralstonite" octahedra. (Ralstonite was recently moved to the pyrochlore super-group and renames as "hydrokenoralstonite". We are not amused.)

As shown in the first pair of photos (FOV 5.3 x 3.2 mm) many crystals are stained by Fe oxides – but attractively so. In these photos, the thomsenolite crystals (ca 2 mm) stand out against the dark background. In the next pair of photos (FOV 4.5 x 5.6 mm), there is no dark background and individual crystals are discernible only because of the oxide coating. They will be much more distinct when viewed through a scope. But you will need 15X.

The fifth photo shows a larger (3.9 mm), doubly terminated crystal that is much less stained. There is a second, slightly smaller right next to it, but it is hard to see. There are also completely unstained xls on the specimen. But without any coating, they are very difficult to photograph.

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.8 x 2.2 mm) shows most of the ralstonite on the specimen (along with more thomsenolite). You will need 30X to see these crystals as in the photos.

The specimen comes with an old hand made micro box. It has been removed from the mount (for photography), but could be easily glued back on.

Single item shipping weight 2.9 oz (82 g)

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

Within the USA, postage now varies by destination. For total weights up to 13 oz, it ranges from $4.50 to $7.00 (including packing etc). Above 13 oz (up to 16 oz), I will use “own box” Priority Mail. The rate, including packing, varies from $8 to $10.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Thomsenolite

Formula: 
NaCa[AlF6] · H2O
Strunz: 
3/C.02-20
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
2
Colour: 
Colourless, white, pale
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Ivigtut Cryolite deposit, Ivittuut (Ivigtut), Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland
Dimorph Of: 

Pachnolite

Formula: 
NaCa[AlF6]·H2O
Strunz: 
3.CB.40
Hardness: 
3.0

Hydrokenoralstonite

Formula: 
NaMg[Al(F,OH)6]·H2O
Group Parent: 
Pyrochlore Supergroup
Strunz: 
3/C.03-60
Crystal System: 
Isometric
Hardness: 
4.5
Colour: 
Colourless, white
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Ivigtut Cryolite deposit, Ivittuut (Ivigtut), Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland
LMB minerals

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Shipping Information

Postage Area Price
United States
$4.50
Canada
$11
Europe
$15.25
Rest of World
$15.50

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.