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Arisite-(Ce) With Nepheline & Eudialyte Group

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LMB633343

Arisite-(Ce) With Nepheline & Eudialyte Group

Type Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1.2 × 2 × 0.7 cm
Description

MSH is a co-type locality for arisite-(Ce) (formerly MSH UK-60). Apart from the other co-type localities (the Aris phonolite and the Saint-Amable sill), it is know only from the Yubileinaya pegmatite (Kola). It is a very rare mineral at MSH. This specimen is a small but very good example. Not only are there several pinkish rosettes of  arisite-(Ce) to 0.75 mm, but the specimen also has numerous, largely unaltered, crystals of nepheline, which, despite the nepheline-syenite environment, are quite rare at MSH. In addition there are some  small, but well-formed, crystals of an eudialyte group mineral.

The first photo (FOV 2.4 x 3.7 mm) is a close-up of some of the arisite rosettes.

The second photo  (FOV 3.5 x 4.4 mm) is a broader view showing most (but not all) of the arisite as well as some of the eudialyte group crystals (at top).

The third pair of photos (FOV 2.35 x 3.7 mm) shows the best “eudialyte” crystal (1.7 mm) and some gray nepheline crystals (to 0.75 mm). The “eudialyte” has not been analyzed. (Visual identification of eudialyte group minerals is not possible at MSH. Color is not a useful guide. The two most common species at MSH are eudialyte proper and ferrokentbrooksite. There is no reason to expect anything more exotic in this case.)

The next photo (FOV 2.25 x 3.65 mm) shows another “eudialyte” crystal (ca 1.3 x 1.6 mm, top face 0.8 mm). Some of the nepheline crystals in the bottom half of the photo have a  whitish surface, probably due to alteration to natrolite. There is also a small arisite  rosette (0.45 mm) at left center (just above the nepheline)

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.35 x 3.7 mm) shows numerous nepheline crystals <= 0.8 mm. The crystals have complex growth (or etch) figures on the surfaces, but are actually translucent and apparently gemmy internally.

Single item shipping weight (with TN case) is 3.0 oz (85 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 for total weights up to 13 oz ranges from $4.25 to $6.50 (including packing etc) regardless of destination. Above 13 oz, I will use “own box” Priority Mail. The rate, including packing, varies by destination from $7.25 to $9.50.

See my updated “Shipping Policy” for details. 

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Arisite-(Ce)

Formula: 
NaCe2(CO3)3-xF2x+1
Strunz: 
5.BD.18
Hardness: 
0.0
Type Locality: 
Aris Quarries (Ariskop Quarry; Railway Quarry), Aris, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia

Nepheline

Formula: 
(Na,K)AlSiO4
Strunz: 
9.FA.05
Hardness: 
5.5 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Monte Somma, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples Province, Campania, Italy
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.