Small, but very nice, gemmy, deep honey colored, crystals of manganoneptunite on a pseudomrph of catapleiite, probably after eudialyte. (Some claim that these are pseudomorphs after sodalite, but similar pseudomorphs, similarly encrusted by manganoneptunite, and probably from the same 1996-7 find, are stated to be pseudomorphs after eudialyte in the 2000 MSH reviews published in Lapis and Rivista. I’m no mineralogist, but catapleiite after eudialyte seems geochemically more plausible.)

The first two pairs of photos (FOV 2.4 x 2.9 and 2.4 x 2.7 mm resp.) are slightly different views of the same crystals. Note the very regular pattern of the tiny catapleiite plates replacing the eudialyte. No doubt this tells us something about the precursor – but I don’t know what. (the second pair of photos came out “foggy” – probably lens flare.

The third pair of photos (FOV 2.3 x 3.4 mm) shows some more crystals to abput 0.9 mm. Here the little catapleiite plates are not well organized. 

Note that the catapleiite pseudomorph is “euhedral” on only one end (second full-view photo.)

Single item shipping weight (small box with MM case) is 1.9 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.