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Lintisite On Ussingite

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LMB660326

Lintisite On Ussingite

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1.5 × 1.5 × 0.7 cm
Weight: 
2.00gr
Description

Lintisite is a very rare mineral, known only from three localities. It is extremely rare at MSH. Ussingite is less rare, but not exactly common at MSH. The main feature of this specimen is the lintisite, but there are also some well-formed crystals of ussingite. The lintisite crystals are very small (ca 0.25 mm) but they are quite distinct and there are several sprays of them.

Unfortunately I have not discovered the knack for photographing lintisite on a background of ussingite that does not make the ussingite look unnaturally dark. The photos shown were taken at various times and are the result of different strategies in dealing with this issue. You will notice that the color balance differs from attempt to attempt, but it isn’t really satisfactory in any of them.

The first photo (FOV 1.7 x 1.2 mm) is an extreme close-up of the largest lintisite aggregate. It spans 0.78 mm.

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.5 x 3.5 mm) is a broader view showing the same aggregate on the left, and another of the larger sprays on the right. The lilac color of most of the background ussingite isn’t too bad, but the distinct crystals on the left are darker than in reality.

The next pair of photos (FOV 1.3 x 1.7 mm) is a close-up of the right-side spray shown in the previous pair of photos. Given the very small size of the lintisite crystals (0.25 mm), the photo does a fair job of showing them. But the somber color of the ussingite doesn’t match reality. The crystals do look dark – but not that morbid. However the photos do show the blocky shape of the ussingite crystals. As is typical at MSH, they exhibit parallel or nearly parallel growth.

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.2 x 3.0 mm) is a broader view showing a few small lintisite sprays and more of the ussingite crystals. The ussingite crystals are fairly clear, but the color accuracy is not very good. The red-orange crystal is manganoneptunite.

The next pair of photos (FOV 2.5 x 2.9 mm) is another attempt to show the same area. Again, the shapes of he ussingite crystals are fairly clear, but the color accuracy is just as bad – in a different way.

The only photo that does a fairly good job of showing the ussingite realistically is the last, full-view photo. But at that scale, neither the ussingite crystals nor the lintisite crystals are really discernible.

Single item shipping weight (with TN case) is 2.9 oz (82 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

Lintisite

Formula: 
LiNa3Ti2(Si2O6)2O2·2H2O
Strunz: 
9.DB.15
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0
Type Locality: 
Alluaiv Mt, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia...

Ussingite

Formula: 
Na2AlSi3O8OH
Strunz: 
9.EH.20
Crystal System: 
Triclinic
Hardness: 
6.0 - 7.0
Streak: 
white
Type Locality: 
Kangerluarsuk Fjord (Kangerdluarssuq Fjord), Ilímaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kujalleq, Greenland
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.