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Pyrite, Sphalerite

Name: Pyrite, Sphalerite
SKU: 33243-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

33243-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion

Nanisivik Mine, Nanisivik, Baffin Is., Qikiqtaaluk Reg., Nunavut

Canada

Dimensions: 4.4x3.2x2.5 cm

Price: CA

This miniature specimen features many brassy pyrite crystals with classic striated cubic habit. Scattered among the pyrite are crystals of dark brown sphalerite with a mirror-like lustre. This specimen was likely collected in the 1990s, during the operation of the Nanisivik Mine, located in the former company town of Nanisivik, Nunavut. Situated 750 km North of the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island, the mine opened on October 15, 1976, making it one of the most northerly mines in the world. While sphalerite was the primary ore extracted, the mine also became famous for its unique and high-quality mineral specimens. The Nanisivik Mine closed permanently in September 2002 due to declining resources and low metal prices. Despite its closure, it remains highly regarded among collectors for the distinctive minerals it produced.

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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 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.

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