Vesuvianite

This specimen features a well-formed, terminated vesuvianite crystal measuring 2.8 cm in length, from the renowned Jeffrey Mine, Val-des-Sources (formerly Asbestos), Québec, Canada. The crystal displays a pleasing light green colouration with good translucency, and a great termination. The crystal show cases the characteristic tetragonal prism and pyramidal faces typical of the species. The crystal surfaces are bright and lustrous.

The Jeffrey Mine was an open-pit chrysotile asbestos operation measuring approximately 2 km in diameter and reaching a depth of 350 meters. Mining began in 1879, and by 1969, expansion of the pit necessitated relocation of the adjacent town. Global demand for asbestos collapsed in the 1980s due to recognition of its carcinogenic hazards and widespread bans on its use, leading to the eventual depletion of financial resources and closure of the mine in 2001.

Fine-quality terminated vesuvianite crystals of this size and condition are highly sought after from this now-classic and inactive locality.