Vanadinite, Calcite

This small cabinet specimen features a sculptural calcite matrix attractively coated with numerous sharp, glassy, translucent vanadinite crystals as well as a secondary growth that covers some of the vanadinite of highly lustrous, colourless, calcite crystals. The vanadinite crystals are elongated hexagonal prisms with a warm caramel colour, ranging in size up to 2–3 mm. The lustrous, well-formed crystals create a striking contrast against the lighter calcite base, making for a highly aesthetic display specimen.

The piece originates from the Apex Mine, a lead-zinc-vanadium-magnetite deposit located in Chihuahua, Mexico. The mine was active primarily between the 1930s and 1950s and is known for producing a variety of secondary minerals, including vanadinite, often in well-crystallized form. Though lesser known than some of Mexico's more famous localities, the Apex Mine has yielded specimens of notable quality and interest. For further reference on the locality and its mineralogy, see the 2008 Mineralogical Record, Mexico V Special Issue (Vol. 39, No. 6).

--

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.