This specimen features a few, small, gemmy, yellow, crystals of thomasclarkite-(Y) along with several small groups of franconite. It is basically a large micro (you will need 20-30X), but I left it “as is” because the franconite is scattered all over the specimen among interstices between catapleiite crystal as well as in other cavities. Trimming the specimen will result in the loss of at least some of the franconite.

The catapleiite on the specimen consists of numerous tightly inter-grown crystals – probably replacing some other mineral. There are only a few very small catapleiite crystals that grew freely. Moreover, the interstices contain not only franconite, but some are filled with a REE “mud”. This is not a catapleiite specimen!

The large black prisms are aegirine.

The first pair of photos shows a thomasclarkite crystal 0.55 mm in diameter in the center. You will need ca 30X to view this. The crystal is surrounded by several smaller crystals, all <= 0.3 mm. While some of these can be seen fairly clearly in the photo, you would need 50-60X to view them adequately through a scope. A larger crystal is behind the crystal in the center, but it is largely obscured.

Near the center of the second pair of photos is a slightly larger thomasclarkite crystal 0.8 mm long. Two smaller crystals can be seen to the right of and below this crystal. The orange stained “puff balls” are franconite.

The next pair of photos (FOV 3.0 x 2.3 mm) shows some of the franconite “puff balls”.  This group is in crevice between aegirine crystals. The franconite is stained –  which is common -  but not unattractive.

The fourth pair of photos is a broader view (FOV 4.4 x 6.4 mm) showing more (unstained) franconite in crevices between platy to micaceous tan catapleiite. The largest franconite “puff ball” is ca 1.1 mm. There are other several small franconite aggregates elsewhere on the specimen, but this is one of the denser areas.  

Single item shipping weight (no case) is 5.0 oz (140g). 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).