Astrophyllite, Microcline, Analcime, Aegirine

Flattened, needle-like crystals of golden-brassy astrophyllite—a rare titanium silicate—cover the surface of this specimen, which is composed of a matrix of microcline feldspar and analcime. Slender black aegirine crystals and sodalite run through the matrix as well. The astrophyllite crystals exhibit sub-metallic lustre, perfect cleavage, and eye-catching radial patterns that reflect light beautifully. This is an excellent and classic example of astrophyllite from the famous Mont Saint-Hilaire quarry, collected by Peter Tarassoff in 1978. It is a fine representative of the complex and highly aesthetic mineral associations for which this locality is celebrated.

Mont Saint-Hilaire is considered one of the most mineralogically diverse localities in the world, having produced hundreds of rare and unique mineral species—including many of the finest best-of-species specimens ever found. 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.