This specimen features numerous adularia crystals grown over a silvery mineral, possibly stilbite. Adularia is among the most common minerals found in alpine pockets, alongside quartz and chlorite. Though historically regarded as an individual mineral, adularia is now classified as a variety of the potassium feldspar orthoclase. Typically white and opaque, adularia can also appear partially clear and may exhibit a slight moonstone sheen. This particular specimen was collected by Andreas Jurt in Aarau, Switzerland, in 1976 and serves as an excellent example from the locality.
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This specimen comes from the collection of Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Dr. Peter Tarassoff was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.
Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.
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