Lazulite, Albite, Quartz

This specimen features smears of navy blue lazulite and mica on a matrix of albite and quartz. It originates from the historic Chandlers Mill Mine, a notable pegmatite locality near Newport, New Hampshire. Though the locality is known to have been producing material as early as the 1860s, Chandlers Mill was most actively worked by the New Hampshire Mica and Mining Co. from 1943 to 1944 and remains one of the most mineralogically significant pegmatites in the United States. A true American classic, this piece ranks among the finest non-Brazilian Brazilianites.

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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