Millerite, Siderite

A delicate spray of brassy, acicular-bladed millerite crystals, reaching up to 1.5 mm in length, radiates within a typical siderite-lined cavity in the host rock. The millerite spans the vug, with some crystals penetrating the surrounding crystals, creating dynamic composition when viewed under the microscope. This specimen hails from the classic Welsh locality of the Coed-Ely Coal Mine—perhaps the best-known of the coalfield millerite occurrences. The Coed Ely Colliery was opened in 1916 by The Welsh Navigation Steam Coal Co. Ltd., and by 1938 it employed over 1,000 workers. The mine ceased operations in November 1986, and the site has since been reclaimed and landscaped. Specimens from this locality are now scarce and highly collectible.

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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.