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Raite Gmelinite-Na Epistolite & Eudialyte

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LMB545925

Raite Gmelinite-Na Epistolite & Eudialyte

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
2.5 × 4 × 1.5 cm
Weight: 
14.00gr
Description

This specimen features a good coverage of the rare mineral raite. Raite is known only from MSH, the nearby Demix-Varennes quarry, and three localities in the Kola Peninsula (including the Yubileinaya pegmatite, which is the TL). Raite is rare at MSH, but was relatively abundant in this well known find from ca 2003. (The raite was confirmed on various specimens at the CMN via microprobe and also at the ROM via EDS. The color varies greatly, but all samples were found to be raite. There is no yofortierite or tuperssuatsiaite.)

Also of interest are microcrystals of prismatic gmelinite-Na – a habit that is exceedingly rare at MSH, a bit of epistolite, and a fairly good crystal of “eudialyte” (likely eudialyte proper).

The first pair of photos (FOV 2.4 x 3.7) shows orange spherules of raite to about 0.8 mm. They sit on an euhedral, but partial, crystal of eudialyte, a bit of which is visible at top.

The second pair of photos (FOV 3.7 x 2.4 mm) shows lighter colored acicular raite to about 0.7 mm with radiating and jumbled prisms of gmelinite-Na to about 0.9 mm. The gmelinite-Na was confirmed via microprobe at the CMN. There is also some dark brown raite on the specimen (not shown).

The third pair of photos (FOV 3.7 x 2.4 mm) shows more of the prismatic gmelinite. Note that some of the crystals exhibit phantom growth (e.g. the “large” crystal at top center). This requires 20-30X

The fourth pair of photos is an extreme close-up (FOV 1.8 x 2.1 mm) of some more of the gmelinite (crystals <= 0.9 mm). This requires 30-50X.

The ninth photo (FOV 5.8 x 4.1 mm) shows yet more gmelinite prisms (<= 1.1 mm), a bit more raite (bottom right). More importantly, it shows all of the epistolite on the specimen. It is the orange “crackly” looking stuff at left center and right center. The latter spans about 1.9 mm. (The actual color is more pinkish than orange.) Note that this photo has a broader view (lower magnification) than the other photos.

The “eudialyte” crystal can be seen on the far left in the full-view photo. It is actually fairly well-formed though partly contacted on the “top”. It measures about 5 mm in diameter. 

Note: Many of these photos can bee seen as stereo photos under Mindat MinID N0R-P3G. In some cases, the color balance is a bit different.

Single item shipping weight (small box with protective case) is 3.2 oz. Up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g), this could be combined with other items from this or future auctions for the same postage. If you wish to keep an “open box”, let me know. Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Raite

Formula: 
Na4Mn2+3Ti0.25Si8O20(OH)2·10H2O
Strunz: 
9.EE.55
Hardness: 
3.0 - 0.0
Streak: 
Yellow
Type Locality: 
Yubileinaya pegmatite (Yubileinoye; Jubilejnaja), Karnasurt Mt, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...

Gmelinite-Na

Formula: 
(Na2,Ca)[Al2Si4O12]·6H2O
Strunz: 
9.GD.05
Crystal System: 
Hexagonal
Hardness: 
4.5
Type Locality: 
Nero Mt., San Pietro, Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy

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

Eudialyte

Formula: 
Na15Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)3Zr3[Si25O73](O,OH,H2O)3(OH,Cl)2
Strunz: 
9.CO.10
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Kangerluarsuk Fjord (Kangerdluarssuq Fjord), Ilímaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland
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.