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Weloganite, Franconite

Name: Weloganite, Franconite
SKU: 32480-PT
Availability: OutOfStock

32480-PT Category: _Archives –specimens pending sale or deletion

Francon Quarry, Saint-Michel dist., Montreal, Quebec

Canada

Dimensions: 4.5x5.0x2.3 cm

Price: CA

This specimen showcases a cluster of well-formed, white botryoids of franconite within a tight gap of a vug packed with grey weloganite. This is the type locality for both species. Collected by Dr. Tarassoff in 1970, franconite was officially recognized as a new mineral species in 1984. It occurs as white globules on weloganite crystals, and less commonly on calcite or quartz, in vugs within a dawsonite-bearing sill in the Francon limestone quarry. These globules consist of radiating bladed crystals with a vitreous lustre and white streak, collectively imparting a silky lustre to newly split surfaces. An elusive species!

Ref: The Canadian Mineralogist (1984) 22 (2): 239–243.

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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 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.

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