Nifontovite

specimen number:
1822134

location:
Charcas, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

description:
Outstanding matrix example for the species. Glistening colorless and gemmy then crystals of prismatic nifontovite measuring to 4.5 cm in height are coming off matrix. This is in very good condition. Superb example.

Charcas, located in the northern part of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is a historic mining district with operations dating back to the colonial era, officially founded around the late sixteenth century. Geologically, the district is hosted within Mesozoic limestone and shale sequences that were intruded by Tertiary felsic to intermediate igneous dikes and stocks, resulting in extensive skarn and replacement-style mineralization. The area became famous for its complex polymetallic ore bodies yielding rich deposits of silver, lead, zinc, and copper, alongside a diverse array of well-crystallized secondary and hydrothermal minerals that remain highly prized by international collectors.

Nifontovite is an exceptionally rare borate mineral that typically forms transparent to translucent, colorless or gray tabular crystals with a vitreous luster. First discovered in Russia and later found in locations like Japan and Mexico, it is named after the Russian geologist R. V. Nifontov. Due to its scarcity and unique crystal habits, high quality specimens are prized by advanced mineral collectors and occasionally faceted into rare gemstones.

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