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Willemite On Leifite Group On Sérandite

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LMB681019

Willemite On Leifite Group On Sérandite

Rare Mineral

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small miniature (3-4.5 cm)
Size: 
3 × 4 × 3 cm
Weight: 
40.00gr
Description

According to László Horváth (CMMA Micronews #43-5), eirikite and leifite are about equally likely at MSH. In this particular find, both species were apparently found together (i.e. on the same specimens). But this specimen has not been analyzed, so, I have labeled it “leifite group” although calling it “leifite & eirikite” would probably be justified.

In any case, “leifite” is moderately rare at MSH and extremely rare world-wide. The largest and best specimens come from here, and this is an excellen sample. In addition to hosting superb “leifite” crystals, the specimen features small, but very fine (for MSH) crystals of willemite. Moreover, the “leifite” and willemite sit on a fairly large (ca 2 x 3 x 1.5 cm) sérandite crystal. The latter has a contact on the bottom of the specimen and is partly obscured by adhering “leifite”, but is essentially un damaged. This is a very fine, displayable, specimen. 

The first pair of photos is a “two-side” view of the entire specimen. In these photos, the bottom (contact) is pointing away from the camera.

The next pair of photos give a more or less “top” view of the specimen in different orientations. In the second of these photos, the dark crystal in the center of the leifite aggregate at top right is willemite. See below for a close-up of this crystal. The somewhat isolated, double-ended, “leifite” spray at bottom left is ca 8-9 mm tip-to-tip.

The next pair of photos (FOV 15 x 14.5 mm) is a close-up of this beautiful  “leifite” spray against a background of small sérandite crystals.

The seventh photo (2.4 x 3.7 mm) is a close-up of one of the willemite crystals. It is 1.75 mm in diameter. The terminations of all the willemite crystals have a dark, mottled, coating. Possibly this is due to (exsolved) manganese that has oxidized (but I don’t really know).

The next photo (FOV 4.1 x 6.1 mm) shows one of the largest willemite crystals. It is probably ca 3.5 mm in diameter, but it is tucked in a relatively deep crevice which made it impossible to photograph it without  foreshortening (due to the angle of view). It was also difficult to illuminate the bottom of the crevice properly.

The next pair of photos (FOV 4.15 x 6.75 mm) shows several more of the willemite crystals, the largesst being ca 1.8 mm in diameter. In this photo, not only are the terminations coated, but so are some of the prism faces. In this case, the coating is actually quite attractive under a scope.

Single item shipping weight (with MIN case) is 4.9 oz (139 g). For shipments outside the USA, up to a total weight < 8 oz (225g), this can be combined with other items from this or other auctions for the same postage. If you don’t need the MIN case, you can save about 0.7 oz in weight which could be used for something else.

Within the USA, postage for total weights up to 13 oz ranges from $4.50 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.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Willemite

Formula: 
Zn2SiO4
Strunz: 
9.AA.05
Hardness: 
5.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Vieille Montagne (Altenberg; Kelmisberg), Moresnet, Kelmis, Plombières-Vieille Montagne District (Plombières-Altenberg), Verviers, Liège Province, Belgium

Sérandite

Formula: 
Na(Mn2+,Ca)2(HSi3O9)
Strunz: 
9.DG.05
Hardness: 
5.0 - 5.5
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Rouma Island (Roume Island; Roma Island; Ruma Island), Los Archipelago (Los Islands), Guinea
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.