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Vaterite On Shortite

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LMB625013

Vaterite On Shortite

Very rare at MSH
Analysed

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Massive/Crystalline
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
2 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm
Weight: 
2.00gr
Description

According to the label  (which see), this is sheldrickite on shortite, but according to László Horváth, the “sheldrickite” is most likely vaterite, which was much more common than sheldrickite in this association. This is borne out by the qualitative EDS scan, which is consistent with vaterite, but shows no Na.  (Na  would be expected for sheldrickite). Of course, the scan is also consistent with calcite, but given the association, appearance, and László’s comments, it is most likely vaterite. (In the absence of the shortite, the white stuff could be anything.) Vaterite is a very rare mineral at MSH – almost as rare as sheldrickite.

The first pair of photos (FOV 6.9 x 4.4 mm) shows the main area of vaterite. In this area, it looks somewhat flaky – i.e. like sheldrickite.

The third photo (FOV 4.1 x 5.0 mm) shows another area where some of the vaterite looks like a crust and some like little “droplets”. The green needles are aegirine. 

The fourth photo (FOV 6.9 x 4.6 mm) shows the only area where some prism faces and cross-sections can be seen on the shortite. Much of the specimen consists of shortite, but it is very inter-grown. There are no terminated crystals.

Single item shipping weight (no case) is 3.3 oz (94 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 (ca $9.25 including packing – varies by destination). 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Vaterite

Polymorph of: 
Formula: 
CaCO3
Strunz: 
5.AB.20
Hardness: 
3.0
Colour: 
Colorless
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Ballycraigy, Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Shortite

Formula: 
Na2Ca2(CO3)3
Strunz: 
5.AC.25
Hardness: 
3.0
Type Locality: 
John Hay Jr. Well No. 1, Green River Formation, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming, USA
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Vaterite On Shortite
Labels
Label Images - only: Vaterite On Shortite
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.