Astrophyllite, Aegirine, Fluorite, Analcime

Astrophyllite derives its name from the Greek words astron (star) and phyllon (leaf), a fitting tribute to its characteristic radiating, leaf-like crystal habit. This striking specimen features flattened, needle-like crystals of golden-brassy astrophyllite—a rare titanium silicate—arranged in divergent, starburst-like sprays across a matrix of microcline feldspar and analcime. The crystals exhibit a rich reddish-brown to golden hue, with a sub-metallic lustre, perfect cleavage, and sharply defined radial patterns that reflect light beautifully. Slender black aegirine crystals run through the matrix and there is a bit of cleaved purple fluorite on the side.

This specimen was collected by Peter Tarassoff in 1965 during the early days of exploration at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. It's a superb example of the species that exemplifies the mineralogical complexity that has made this locality one of the most celebrated and diverse in the world. The entry on mindat.org states that there are 440 different species found there, and this quarry is the type locality for 73 of them. Once accessible to collectors, the quarry is now under strict control, with field collecting entirely prohibited. As a result, specimens like this one have become increasingly scarce and sought after by collectors.

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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.