Fluorapophyllite -(k)

This specimen features a flat plate of fluorapophyllite crystals with a beautiful satin lustre, one crystal measures up to 1.8 cm. The crystals exhibit a sparkling appearance due to fine inclusions of either marcasite or possibly pyrite. This striking piece originates from the now-closed copper mining operations in Murdochville, Québec.

Murdochville was founded in 1951, with mining and smelting activities beginning in 1955 and continuing until their closure in 2002. The ore bodies, hosted in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks at Needle Mountain, were divided into stratigraphic zones labeled A, B, C, and E. The A-zone was mined via open pit, while the remaining zones were accessed underground. This fluorapophyllite specimen is attributed to the C-zone, one of the few areas known to produce well-crystallized mineral specimens. While most minerals from Murdochville occur in massive form or at the microscopic scale, the locality is best known for its rare and well-formed fluorapophyllite crystals.

This particular specimen, with its distinct crystal habit and metallic inclusions, is an excellent example of the unique mineralogy associated with this historic mining site. It was gifted to Dr. Peter Tarassoff in 1970 by W. MacIsaac of Gaspé Copper Mines Ltd.

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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.