Analcime, Polylithionite, Aegirine, "Unknown no. 136"

This notable small cabinet-sized specimen is an impressive example of rare combination material from the legendary Mont Saint-Hilaire locality. It features a prominent analcime crystal, accented by numerous red rhodochrosite rosettes, silvery polylithionite, and sharp black aegirine needles pierced through the analcime crystal. While not entirely pristine—some areas show interrupted or contacted growth—the overall condition remains quite good, especially considering the size and mineral diversity. Collected by Peter Tarassoff in 1964, this piece would have come from one of the very early collecting trips to the quarry and stands out as a highly representative specimen of the locale.

*Specimen was collected at the level 8 bench and has an unknown crystal no. 136. Purchaser could take on the project to try and ID the crystal.

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, is regarded as one of the most mineralogically diverse sites in the world, having produced hundreds of rare and unique mineral species, many in world-class specimens. Once open to field collectors, the quarry is now strictly controlled and completely off-limits, making specimens like this increasingly difficult to acquire. This piece is a significant and desirable example of the exceptional mineralogical richness that made Mont Saint-Hilaire so famous.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. 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. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal.