SOLD

Newberyite

Name: Newberyite
SKU: 33165-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

33165-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion Tags: Featured, Type Locality

Skipton Caves, Skipton, Victoria

Australia

Dimensions: 3.0x5.0x2.5 cm

Price: CA

This specimen features a group of pale brown tabular crystals forming attractive rosettes. Newberyite is a very rare, hydrated magnesium phosphate. The type locality, the Skipton Caves in Australia (where this specimen is from), was specifically discovered in lava caves formed by the deposition of bat guano. This particular specimen showcases a sculptural aggregate of relatively large, sharp, well-formed, lustrous pseudohexagonal crystals (actually orthorhombic) with a light brown hue, free of matrix. The crystals' platy form and excellent preservation make this a remarkable example of a rare mineral species.

Dr. Tarassoff acquired this specimen in 1975 through an exchange with W. Birch, Curator of Minerals at the National Museum of Victoria. It would be a valuable addition to any collection, especially for those focusing on phosphates and rare minerals.

--

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 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 »