Heulandite, Mordenite

This specimen features pink heulandite crystals on a white mordenite matrix from the Rat's Nest Claim in Idaho, a locality discovered just over 20 years ago. The Rat's Nest Claim is widely regarded as the source of some of the finest North American heulandite specimens, with pieces from this locality standing out for their exceptional quality, colour, and aesthetics, making them among the prettiest examples from any North American locality. This particular specimen is an especially aesthetic example, with scores of lustrous, peachy-pink, clusters of heulandite crystals. The heulandite display textbook diamond-shaped forms. This large, attractive specimen is both a fine representative piece and visually striking, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.

--

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.