Axinite

This small cabinet specimen features multiple sharp, lustrous, and translucent pinkish-brown bladed axinite crystals accompanied by a green pyroxene mineral, all set on a matrix. While some crystals exhibit minor roughness, the overall presentation is striking, especially with its appealing mineral association. Axinite is a sought-after species for collectors, with only a handful of world localities producing fine crystallized specimens.

The specimen hails from the Marmoraton Mine, an open-pit iron mine near Marmora, Ontario. A historical mine, with exploration dating back to the late 1800's. The main diggings were operational between 1955 and 1978, the mine was a significant producer of high-grade magnetic iron ore. Its location in the Precambrian Shield is notable for hosting a diverse range of minerals, including copper, gold, nickel, and zinc, alongside non-metallic minerals like marble and metabasalt. This specimen not only represents the geological richness of the Marmoraton Mine but also serves as a tangible piece of its mining legacy.