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Dawsonite

Francon Quarry, Montreal, Quebec
Canada
Dimensions: 6.9x5.4x2.0 cm
Largest crystal size: 11 mm
Price: CA

This specimen features two generations of dawsonite: an earlier microcrystalline growth and a second generation of much larger prismatic crystals with longitudinal striations. Additionally, the specimen includes micro quartz, celestine, and micro marcasite. Dawsonite, named after John William Dawson, a Canadian geologist and former Principal of McGill University, is an uncommon mineral. In its Canadian locality, dawsonite is often found as a coating on vug walls and fractures in hydrothermally altered feldspathic dikes and hornfels. These unusually large and gemmy crystals are exceptional for the species. This particular specimen was collected by Dr. Tarassoff in 1976.

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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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D Joyce Minerals
Rare Canadian & Global
Minerals, since 1983

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