Vesuvianite

Here is a specimen consisting of a mass of sparkling well-formed, pale-green champagne, vesuvianite crystals. This piece is a remarkable example from the now-inactive Lac D'Amiante ("LAB Mine" "Black Lake Mine" near in Quebec, Canada. A noteworthy find from an 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 are highly sought after by collectors due to the mine’s historical significance and the quality of its mineralogical output.

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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