Thornasite with Natrolite

specimen number:
2354141

location:
Demix-Varennes quarry, Lajemmerais RCM, Monteregie, Quebec, Canada

description:
Sparse tiny gray micro crystals of thornasite on matrix with colorless micro crystals of natrolite. The identity of this has been confirmed. The specimen comes with several previous labels including one from the collection of Eric Laskowski.

Located in Quebec, Canada, the Demix-Varennes quarry exposes the alkaline igneous rock of the Saint-Amable sill, a nepheline syenite intrusion rich in miarolitic cavities, fractures, and pegmatitic pods. Quarrying operations at the site uncovered these volatile-rich pockets, yielding an exceptional diversity of rare micro-minerals that quickly made the location famous among mineral collectors as a mini Mont Saint-Hilaire. Among the species found within this unique geological setting is thornasite, an extremely rare hydrous sodium thorium silicate mineral that forms small, translucent light-green to beige crystals in highly alkaline environments. Highly prized by micromount collectors, thornasite was first discovered in the region during the late 20th century, making specimens from the Demix-Varennes quarry notable prizes in classical Canadian mineralogy collections.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.