Gillespite, Pellyite

This specimen features rich amounts of carmine-red gillespite cleavages on matrix and originating from a remote yet world-class Yukon locality for the mineral. Named after Frank Gillespie of Alaska, who discovered the first specimen, gillespite is a rare barium silicate mineral typically found in glacial moraines and contact metamorphic zones.

Similar material from this locality has been reported to contain other rare barium minerals, such as pellyite. Though not tested, I'm confident the many patches of light brown material is pellyite. The specimen originates from the type locality for pellyite, making it an important piece for collectors specializing in rare barium minerals or Yukon localities.

This remarkable slab was purchased by Dr. Peter Tarassoff at the Montreal Gem and Mineral Show in 1987.

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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