This is an analyzed specimen – see the “Analysis” tab. At the qualitative EDS level, it is a good fit for parisite-(Ce). Morphologically it looks more like a “donnayite group” mineral. Possibly it is a pseudomorph. In any case, parisite-(Ce) is rare at MSH and there is a great deal of it on this specimen. There is also a great deal of tabular anatase.
The specimen features dozens of parisite-(Ce) “crystals” to about 3/4 mm with even more tabular anatase crystals to about 1/4 mm. The first photo (FOV 2.3 x 1.8 mm) shows a relatively large compound crystal of “donnayite” on the left. It spans about 0.9 mm in the photo, but it is foreshortened by the angle of view. Just below it is a larger than average anatase crystal (about 1/3 mm in maximum diameter). There are more anatase crystals on the right. Note the small, transparent, tabular siderite crystal near top center.
The second photo (FOV 3.2 x 2.3 mm), shows many more sharply formed parisite “crystals”. More anatase is shown on the left.
The third photo (FOV 6.6 x 4.2 mm) shows the largest concentration of parisite on the specimen plus a few small, translucent, siderite rhombs at upper left. These parisite “crystals” are the same size (<= 0.7 mm) as the ones shown in other photos, but they look smaller because the FOV is about twice as wide.
The fourth photo (FOV 3.4 x 2.1 mm) shows more parisite on the right and anatase on the left. There are also a couple of small siderite crystals in this photo.
There are several other groups of parisite “crystals” on the specimen.
The fifth photo (FOV 2.2 x 2.4 mm) shows a typical jumble of anatase crystals to about 1/4 mm on edge. There are many such aggregates, but they are hard to photograph because of the small size of the crystals, their reflectivity, and the fact that the crystals are so intergrown. The crystals are much easier to see with a scope. But you do need 20-40X.
There are also some small, glassy, catapleiite crystals and numerous whitish natrolite/gonnardite prisms. “Cute”, but not exceptional.
The sixth photo (FOV 4.7 x 4.3 mm) shows a couple of the catapleiite crystals. The one on the left is 2.4 mm wide.
The seventh photo (FOV 6.7 x 4.3 mm) shows some of the more interesting natrolite crystals (<= 1.8 mm). Many are doubly terminated, but rather encrusted.
Hand held, the specimen looks like something pulled from the bottom of a charcoal grill.
Found 11/01.
Single item shipping weight (no case) is 4.1 oz. USPS foreign package rates increased significantly recently. You may wish to hold an "open box" so as to reduce postage costs by combining items from a future auction. Let me know, and I will generate another, “item only”, invoice, with postage TBD at the time of actual shipment.
Outside the USA, the stated postage and packing rate applies up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g).
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