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Calcite ps. after unknown mineral, Marcasite

Calcite ps. after unknown mineral, Marcasite

Name: Calcite ps. after unknown mineral, Marcasite
SKU: 32478-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

32478-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion Tag: Pseudomorph

Francon Quarry, Saint-Michel dist., Montreal, Quebec

Canada

Dimensions: 7.2x4.6x3.6 cm

Largest crystal size: 8 mm

Price: CA

This specimen features zoned triclinic calcite crystals with an opaque white outer zone and a colorless core. The matrix has been sawn on three sides, and features associated marcasite crystals that add to the visual interest and mineralogical context of the specimen. These unusual calcite crystals are, in fact, pseudomorphs after an unknown mineral, were identified via X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming their unique structure.

Collected by Les Horvath, this specimen originates from the Francon Quarry in central Montreal. The quarry, known for its alkalic intrusive sill in limestone, ceased operations in 1981 and will never reopen. This makes specimens from this location particularly rare and valuable to collectors. The distinct zoning and association with marcasite highlight the exceptional nature of this find.

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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 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.

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