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.