Moving mountains for you
Switch currency

Current Live Auctions

Current Live Fixed Price Sales

Strontianite With Gmelinite-Na & Muscovite

Views:
Watches:
LMB615952

Strontianite With Gmelinite-Na & Muscovite

Analysed

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
1.7 × 3 × 1 cm
Description

Strontianite is an uncommon mineral at MSH, found mostly in the hornfels seams, which this is from. The crystals are small, but, in some ways, exceptional. Very attractive under a scope. They are associated with gmelinite-Na, muscovite, calcite, dolomite/siderite and very tiny, tarnished pyrite.

The strontianite was verified (to the extent possible) via qualitative EDS. See the “Analysis” tab.

The first pair of photos (FOV 2.2 x 3.2 mm) is a close-up of the most interesting strontianite aggregate on the specimen. It consists of a radiating sphere ca 3.0 mm in diameter. The strontianite crystrals are very fine needles emedded in or growing out of a center consisting partly of oxidzed pyrite crystals. The needles project about 0.65 mm above this central mass. Above the strontianite needles are small clusters of grayish calcite crystals, seemingly suspended in  mid-air.

The second pair of photos (FOV 5.0 x 4.2 mm) is a broader view of the entire strontianite sphere.

The fifth photo (FOV 2.9 x 1.8 mm) shows some much more typical (for MSH) strontianite, with spikes to 0.55mm.

The sixth (FOV 3.5 x 2.4 mm) shows one of the orange-brown muscovite rosettes ca 1.9 mm in diameter. It is somewhat encrusted by small blue-gray gmelinite-Na and gray calcite. There are small “sulfide” crystals on the left. I am not sure if these are pyrite or not – nit that it matters. None of the minerals in this photo is “significant”. I’m just letting you know what’s what.

The seventh  photo (FOV 3.5 x  2.3 mm) shows some of the gmelinite-Na crystals. They are not very big – ca 0.33 mm on edge.

More gmelinite_Na and more strontianite are shown in the eighth photo (FOV 3.7 x 2.4 mm)

Single item shipping weight is 3.3 oz (92 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

Strontianite

Formula: 
SrCO3
Strunz: 
5.AB.15
Crystal System: 
Orthorhombic
Hardness: 
3.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Strontian, North West Highlands (Argyllshire), Scotland, UK

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

Muscovite

Formula: 
KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Strunz: 
9.EC.15
Hardness: 
2.5
Streak: 
White
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Strontianite With Gmelinite-Na & Muscovite
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.