Brazilianite

Brazilianite from the USA is rarely seen and typically occurs only as microscopic crystals in albite host rock. The Chandlers Mill Mine in Newport, New Hampshire, is a historically significant pegmatite locality that produced notable phosphate minerals, including Brazilianite, long before the species was first described from Brazil. While these specimens do not rival the finest Brazilian examples, this small mine yielded what are likely the best Brazilianite specimens found outside of Brazil.

This specimen features a prominent larger Brazilianite prism atop the matrix, accompanied by several smaller crystals and numerous microcrystals, all exhibiting good lustre and a rich colour—superior to many of the beige, blocky examples often seen from this location.  Though the locality is known to have been producing material as early as the 1860s, Chandlers Mill was most actively worked by the New Hampshire Mica and Mining Co. from 1943 to 1944 and remains one of the most mineralogically significant pegmatites in the United States. A true American classic, this piece ranks among the finest non-Brazilian Brazilianites.

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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.