SOLD

Helvite, Magnetite

Name: Helvite, Magnetite
SKU: 32558-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

32558-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion

Iron Mountain, Socorro Co., New Mexico

USA

Dimensions: 6.5x5.2x3.6 cm

Price: CA

Named for the Latin word helvus, meaning “amber,” in reference to its typically golden-yellow colour, helvite is an uncommon mineral that occurs in skarn, contact zones, gneiss, granite pegmatites, and granites. This mine was discovered in the 1880s, and was mined for its deposits consisting of magnetite, garnet, and pyroxene. The helvite on this specimen is mostly massive, showing crystal cleavages, but some crystal faces are protected within small vugs. This specimen also features micro purple fluorite on the quartz matrix, with an unidentified white material on the side. Helvite's distinct coloration and occurrence in various geological environments make it a mineral of interest, particularly in the context of mineralogical studies of skarn and pegmatitic formations.

--

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 »