This specimen consists of black masses of gadolinite-(Y) with minor yellow-brown fergusonite-(Y) set in pink microcline, originating from the renowned locality of Ytterby, Sweden. Ytterby is historically significant as the richest source of elemental discoveries, lending its name to yttrium (Y), terbium (Tb), erbium (Er), and ytterbium (Yb), with four additional elements first discovered there. Collected by Gunnar Bjareby in 1938, this specimen was later acquired by Dr. Tarassoff through an exchange.
Gunnar Bjareby (1899-1967), was inducted into the Micromounters Hall of Fame in 1985, was a pioneering micromounter with roots in Sweden. A professional artist, he became fascinated by the beauty of crystallized minerals visible only under a microscope. Gunnar was instrumental in founding the Micromounters of New England. His contributions to the field include a series of articles in Rocks and Minerals magazine and extensive correspondence, often featuring his detailed colour drawings of mineral specimens. In recognition of his impact, the mineral bjarebyite was named in his honour in 1973. His micromount collection, comprising over 1,000 species, was donated to the University of Chicago.
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