Scapolite "Meionite"

This specimen features a well-formed, doubly terminated scapolite (var. meionite) crystal with excellent lustre and prominent striations along the prism faces. The scapolite exhibits a pink fluorescence under UV light, though slightly less intense than depicted in photos. The label identifies the specimen as "wernerite," an obsolete term once used for an intermediate member of the scapolite group. This variety is found at only a few localities within the Grenville Geological Province, making it a desirable addition for collectors.

It originates from the Yates Mine, a well-known pegmatite collecting site within the Grenville Province in Quebec. Initially worked for phlogopite and fluorite in 1906-1907. Mining activity included a few pits, the deepest reaching 20 feet. In 1943-44, the Twin Valley Prospecting Syndicate extracted 18 tons of fluorite from the deposit. In 1950, Mr. J.M. Yates discovered uranothorite on the property, leading to the formation of Yates Uranium Mines Inc. As of 2024, the mine is open to fee-based collecting under the current owner, who resides in the nearby village of Otter Lake.