Zircon

A thumbnail specimen featuring dozens of well-formed bipyramidal zircon crystals, biggest measuring up to 2–3 mm, scattered across a small bit of matrix. The crystals display sharp faces and well-defined terminations, along with warm reddish-brown hues, characteristic of zircon from this renowned alkaline intrusive complex. The crystals radiate a yellow glow under UV. Collected by noted Mont Saint-Hilaire specialist Peter Tarassoff in 1971, this piece is not only a fine thumbnail example of zircon from one of the world’s most celebrated mineral localities, but also carries historical significance. Housed in a standard perky box, it’s a wonderful opportunity to add a classic early Mont Saint-Hilaire specimen with provenance to any collection.