Moving mountains for you
Switch currency

Current Live Auctions

Current Live Fixed Price Sales

Epididymite On Eudidymite With Nenadkevichite Parisite-(Ce) & Gaidonnayite

Views:
Watches:
LMB608071

Epididymite On Eudidymite With Nenadkevichite Parisite-(Ce) & Gaidonnayite

Analysed

Share this by email

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
3.7 × 4 × 2.7 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.70cm
Weight: 
62.00gr
Description

This specimen is a remarkable combination of several iconic MSH rarities. It features a 7 mm stack of eudidymite with a beautiful reticulated surface that may be due to epitactic epididymite. It is very attractive under the scope.  Associated with the eudidymite/epididymite are water-clear laths of nenadkevichite, strange “cigars” of parisite-(Ce), and very small, water-clear, crystals of gaidonnayite.

The nenadkevichite and parisite-(Ce) were identified via EDS. The nenadkevichite scan shows nearly equal Ti and Nd peaks. (See the “Analysis” tab.) However, the equipment is more sensitive to Ti, so probably this is still nenadkevichite rather than korobitsynite.

The first pair of photos (FOV 4.2 x 6.7 mm) shows almost the whole extent of the eudidymite/epididymite. The nenadkevichite  laths in the upper right corner are ca 2.5 mm long.

Some of the nenadkevichite is so clear, that it was initially mistaken for “ruler” epididymite. An exceptionally clear lath (1.8 mm) is shown in the next pair of photos (FOV 2.2 x 3.4 mm). The strange black “cigars” are parisite-(Ce). Many are “frayed” at one end. At the bottom of the nenadkevichite lath is a small aggregate of colorless gaidonnayite crystals.

The next pair of photos (FOV 4.45 x 3.65 mm) shows one end of the eudidymite stack. There are a few dings on the tips. The dark (partly encrusted) object at bottom right is one of the parisite “cigars”. It is 1.6 mm long. The brightly lit crystals at far right are gaidonnayite.

The next photo (FOV 6.5 x 4.5 mm) shows a bit more of the eudidymite/epididymite aggregate. The surface reticulation may be a bit clearer in this photo.

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.35 x 3.45 mm shows some of the small (<= 0.35 mm)  gaidonnayite crystals and more of the parisite “cigars” (to ca 1. 2 mm). The “cigars” have “frayed” ends, giving them the appearance of (dirty) old-time shaving brushes. The gaidonnayite crystals sit on another aggregate of nenadkevichite laths. Note also the tiny dark “melted” octahedron at far left just below the gaidonnayite. I’m not sure what that is. (Left as an exercise for the buyer.)

Single item shipping weight (no case) is 4.9 oz (139 g). For shipments outside the USA, up to a total weight < 8 oz (225g), this can be combined with items from this or other auctions for the same postage.

Within the USA, postage increases by about $0.20 per ounce. Above 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail ($9.25 including packing). 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Epididymite

Formula: 
Na2Be2Si6O15·H2O
Strunz: 
9.DG.55
Crystal System: 
Orthorhombic
Hardness: 
5.5
Type Locality: 
Narsaarsuk pegmatite (Narssârssuk pegmatite), Narsaarsuk Plateau, Igaliku (Igaliko), Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland

Eudidymite

Formula: 
Na2Be2Si6O15·H2O
Strunz: 
9.DG.60
Hardness: 
6.0
Type Locality: 
Eudidymite locality, Lille Arøya (Midtre Arøy; Øvre Arøy; Övre-Arö), Langesundsfjorden, Larvik, Vestfold, Norway

Nenadkevichite

Formula: 
(Na,◻)8Nb4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4·
Strunz: 
9.CE.30a
Hardness: 
5.0
Type Locality: 
Natrolite Stock (Pegmatite No. 61), Karnasurt Mt, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...

Parisite-(Ce)

Formula: 
Ca(Ce,La)2(CO3)3F2
Strunz: 
5.BD.20b
Crystal System: 
Hexagonal
Hardness: 
4.5
Type Locality: 
Mun. de Muzo, Vasquez-Yacopí Mining District, Boyacá Department, Colombia

Gaidonnayite

Formula: 
Na2Zr(Si3O9)·2H2O
Strunz: 
9.DM.15
Crystal System: 
Orthorhombic
Hardness: 
5.0 - 0.0
Streak: 
White
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
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Epididymite On Eudidymite With Nenadkevichite Parisite-(Ce) & Gaidonnayite
Analysis Report - only: Epididymite On Eudidymite With Nenadkevichite Parisite-(Ce) & Gaidonnayite
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.

Item Toolbox