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Labuntsovite-Mn & Hilairite

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LMB584507

Labuntsovite-Mn & Hilairite

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: 
3 × 3 × 3 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.22cm
Weight: 
14.00gr
Description

Labuntsovite-Mn is rare at MSH. Crystals here are not as large as in the Khibiny Massif – typically 1-4 mm, with exceptional cystals to perhaps 1 cm - but they are generally well formed and quite beautiful.

This specimen is unusual in two respects. Firstly, while most of the crystals are on the small side – less than 1 mm – one crystal, shown in the first pair of photos measures 2.2 mm. This is still not particularly large, but the crystal is remarkably long compared to its diameter. I have not seen another like it.

Secondly, the labuntsovite-Mn is directly associated with hilairite, something that is extremely unusual – at least in my experience. The main aggregate of hilairite is shown in the second pair of photos. This isn’t great hilairite. The crystals are < 0.2 mm in diameter and the aggregate spans barely 2 mm altogether. You will need 50-60X to see individual crystals. The interest lies in the fact that it is there at all. MSH is also the type locality for hilairite.

The third pair of photos is a close-up of the most “robust” labuntsovite crystals on the specimen. The largest crystal measures ca 0.8 mm.

There are also a few dolomite/siderite rhombs and at least two unidentified minerals – unidentified because they are extremely tiny.

Ex Ron Waddell. Found 5/27/89.

Single item shipping weight 3.1 oz (87 g). For non-USA destinations, up to a total weight < 8 oz (225 g), this can be combined with other items for the same postage. Within the USA, each additional ounce costs about $0.20; for a total weight of 13 oz or more, I will use “own box” Priority Mail ($9.25), which good up to 16 oz. 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Labuntsovite-Mn

Formula: 
Na4K4(Ba,K)2Mn2+(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8·10-12H2O
Strunz: 
9.CE.30e
Hardness: 
6.0
Type Locality: 
Pegmatite No. 19, Kuftn'yun Mt, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...

Hilairite

Formula: 
Na2Zr[SiO3]3·3H2O
Strunz: 
9.DM.10
Hardness: 
4.5
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
LMB minerals

Seller Information

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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.