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Eudialyte

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LMB660318

Eudialyte

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Demix-Varennes Quarry, Varennes & St-Amable, Montérégie, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
2.5 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm
Largest Crystal: 
0.18cm
Description

World-wide eudialyte is an uncommon mineral but it is relatively abundant in the Saint-Amable sill. Moreover, while other localities, such as nearby MSH, may have larger crystals, they also have other members of the eudialyte group, which, almost without exception, are impossible to distinguish visually from eudialyte. Consequently, verified specimens of eudialyte proper are actually quite rare (except from here, of course). 

The nice thing about specimens from the Saint-Amable sill is that they are almost certainly “plain” eudialyte. Eudialyte proper remains the only eudialyte group member that has been confirmed from the locality. That doesn’t mean that other members of the group may not eventually be found there, but, apart from a “mineral” that is chemically somewhat similar manganoeudialyte  (but not suitable for IMA description), there have apparently been no hints of their existence here. So specimens from this quarry provide a great opportunity to obtain “real” eudialyte without the tremendous expense of WDS plus PXRD (and possibly more than that). 

Unfortunately, while eudialyte is invariably euhedral here, it is easily broken during in the process of collection due to the toughness of the matrix and to the presence of internal flaws in the crystals. Intact crystals, such as the ones on this specimen, are hard to come by.

The first pair of photos (FOV 5.25 x 4.2 mm) shows the best group. The largest crystal is ca 1.75 mm. The thick-tabular habit is typical for this locality. The “shocking pink” color is common, but eudialyte comes in a wide range of colors here, from yellow to purplish-red.

The next photo (FOV ca 1.4 x 1.1 cm) is a macro view showing most of the eudialyte crystals on the specimen.

The last photo is a full-view of the only side of the specimen worth looking at.

Single item shipping weight (no case) is 3.5 oz (100 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 Priority Mail ($7.25 - $9.20 including packing – varies by destination).

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Eudialyte

Formula: 
Na15Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)3Zr3[Si25O73](O,OH,H2O)3(OH,Cl)2
Strunz: 
9.CO.10
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Kangerluarsuk Fjord (Kangerdluarssuq Fjord), Ilímaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland
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.