Gormanite, Brazilianite

This specimen is an exquisite locality find, featuring dense tufts of velvety, dark-green acicular gormanite crystals that cover much of the surface of the vug. These are accompanied by rare, transparent light-green to yellow brazilianite crystals, some of which are intergrown within the gormanite tufts. Additionally, clear quartz crystals and possible augelite microcrystals add further distinction to the piece, creating a unique and sought-after mineral association for this location. Gormanite, a relatively rare phosphate mineral, is represented exceptionally well in this specimen from its type locality in the remote Rapid Creek area of the Yukon, Canada.

Rapid Creek, along with several surrounding sites in the Yukon mining district, is accessible only briefly each summer due to severe winter conditions, which leave the area buried under snow and ice for most of the year. Collecting specimens here is particularly challenging due to the rugged landscape and intense swarms of mosquitoes and black flies during the short summer season. Initially, the region’s mineralogical interest stemmed from blue lazurite, drawing collectors and mineralogists to explore further. This led to the discovery of over 70 mineral species, including eight type localities—gormanite among the most notable. This specimen, with its rich, well-developed crystals, is an exceptional representation of the challenging yet highly rewarding mineral finds from this remote, mineralogically significant area.