Here is a specimen of the rare zeolite mineral, Thomsonite, featuring fine, well-formed crystals with sharp edges. Thomsonite is part of the tecto-silicate group of minerals, and this piece is a remarkable example from the now-inactive Lac D'Amiante LAB Mine in Black Lake, Quebec, Canada. The epitaxial growth of the crystals adds an additional layer of beauty to this rare specimen, making it a noteworthy find from this inaccessible locality.
The Lac D'Amiante (formerly Black Lake) mine was once a significant asbestos mining site operated by LAB Chrysotile (LAB = Lake Asbestos Bell), before closing in 2011. The lake that once occupied the site was drained for mining operations, and the mine became one of the largest open-pit asbestos mines in the world. Specimens from this site, like this Thomsonite, are highly sought after by collectors, reflecting the mine’s historical significance and the quality of its mineralogical output.
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