Chabazite (var Phacolite)

A fine thumbnail specimen of colourless chabazite from the classic Faraday Mine, Ontario. The piece features a single, well-developed cyclic twin of exceptional clarity and symmetry, perched attractively on matrix and housed in a perky box. This twinning style, often referred to as “phacolite-type” twinning, is characteristic of chabazite. The crystal is transparent to translucent, with clean faces and excellent definition, making it a standout miniature example from this locality.

The Faraday Mine is part of the Bancroft–Madawaska uranium district, one of Canada’s most important historic uranium-producing regions. In addition to primary uranium minerals, the mine is renowned among collectors for its diverse suite of secondary and cavity minerals, including zeolites such as chabazite. Well-crystallized examples are relatively uncommon, especially on matrix, and fine cyclic twins like this are particularly desirable. This specimen represents a classic and scarce example of Faraday zeolite mineralization.