Stilbite, Heulandite

This specimen from Aurangabad, India, showcases a striking "wheat sheath"-shaped cluster of soft, pearly Stilbite-Ca crystals aesthetically positioned upright on a breccia matrix. The matrix is adorned with a delicate coating of white mordenite (?) and salmon-coloured heulandite crystals. The specimen is in excellent condition, making for a superb miniature display piece with well-balanced composition and crystallization.

Although the label does not specify an exact locality, it identifies Aurangabad as the source. Aurangabad is one of six administrative divisions in Maharashtra, covering an area of approximately 10,106 square kilometers and representing the Marathwada region. While Indian zeolites remain relatively common in the mineral market, their beauty and crystallographic perfection make them excellent representatives of their species. This specimen exemplifies the high-quality mineralogy for which the region is known.

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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