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Magnesio-hastingsite

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LMB683874

Magnesio-hastingsite

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Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Lime Crest Quarry, Sparta Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States of America
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Thumbnail (1-3cm)
Size: 
1.5 × 1.8 × 0.7 cm
Largest Crystal: 
1.20cm
Weight: 
3.00gr
Description

According to the EDS scan (see the “Analysis” tab) this is probably magnesio-hastingsite or magnesio-fluoro- hastingsite. It is impossible to tell which one via EDS. The only hastingsite reported from the nearby “Franklin Mining District” is magnesio-fluoro-hastingsite, so one might guess that this is too. However, the hastingsite reported from the Rhein property in Amity, NY (about 18 “crow” miles NE of this quarry) is apparently magnesio-hastingsite.

Magnesio-hastingsite is a fairly uncommon mineral. Magnesio-fluoro-hastingsite seems to be rare – but that may just be due to the difficulty of proof. In any case, note that these are good, robust, euhedral crystals -  not just masses, fibers, or needles!

Note: Neither of the magnesian hastingsites has been previously reported from this locality, but pargasite has. The difference is that pargasite has Al, rather than Fe, as the dominant trivalent cation in the “C site”. The EDS scan for this find shows more than enough Fe to be “hastingsite”. (It can’t really tell if the Fe is in the C site or not, but it would be very strange if it were in any other site.)

This specimen has perhaps the nicest, but not the biggest crystals, that were found. The largest crystal on the specimen is about 1.2 cm wide. (The largest crystal found was ca 2 cm in diameter.) The purplish color of the crystals is similar to that of some of the spinels also found here. (From some angles of view, one of the crystals even looks like a spinel octahedron – but that’s an illusion.)

Single item shipping weight (no case) is 3.1 oz (88 g) . For shipments outside the USA, up to a total weight < 8 oz (225g), this can be combined with another small item or two 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.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Magnesio-hastingsite

Formula: 
NaCa2(Mg4Fe3+)Si6Al2O22(OH)2
Group Parent: 
Hastingsite Root Name
Strunz: 
8/F.10-130
Crystal System: 
Monoclinic
Hardness: 
5 - 6
Colour: 
Green to brownish-green
Type Locality: 
Canadian National Railway tunnel, Mont Royal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Magnesio-hastingsite
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.