SOLD

Gypsum, Sulphur

Name: Gypsum, Sulphur
SKU: 32677-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

32677-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion Tag: Twin

Cianciana Mine, Agrigento, Sicily

Italy

Dimensions: 5.5x2.8x3.3 cm

Price: CA

Group of crystals twinned on {100} (swallow-tail twins) with a bit of sulphur. Mining in the surroundings of Cianciana was begun in 1840 by the British company Morrison Seager & Co. The lack of roads inhibited transportation and the mines were closed until a local entrepreneur, Vincenzo di Giovanni, in 1860 made an agreement with the British owners to reopen and operate the mines. Cianciana became the centre of a cluster of 17 mines, employing altogether more than 1,100 workers in 1900-1905. Mining definitively ceased in 1962.*

*https://www.mindat.org/loc-224581

--

This specimen comes from the collection of 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, Dr. Peter Tarassoff 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.

1 2 Next »