-40%
bb: Calcite w/ Harmotome & Brewsterite-Sr from Strontian, Scotland!
$ 10.55
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
NOTE:Postal delays caused by the pandemic are affecting
delivery of parcels. In the USA, most delays are minimal. Shipping to other countries is currently taking at least several days to a week or more longer than usual. Please keep this in mind while bidding.
Species:
Calcite, Harmotome, Brewsterite-Sr
Locality:
Bellsgrove Quarry (Strontian Barytes Mine; Middleshop mine), Strontian, Fort William and Ardnamurchan, Highland, Scotland, UK
Size:
Miniature - 4.2 x 3.6 x 1.5 cm
Weight:
24.6 g
Number:
2482
Details:
This charming miniature has a matrix of fluorescent calcite that glows under long and shortwave UV. Of additional interest are white crystals of harmotome and smaller gray crystals of strontian brewsterite, non-fluorescent but significant because Strontian is the type locality for brewsterite (and also for strontianite) and is the reason for the name of the element strontium. 18th century lead mines were the original source; the Bellsgrove Quarry is operating now on the site of two earlier mines where lead ores and baryte were extracted. According to Wikipedia, lead from Strontian was made into bullets for the Napoleonic Wars, and captured soldiers from Napoleon's forces were used as workers in the mines.
NOTE: TO VIEW FLUORESCENCE, YOU NEED A QUALITY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT WITH A UV FILTER!
The better the UV source, the better fluorescent minerals look. Cheap "UV" flashlights without filters will not provide satisfactory results!
The photos here are taken using Convoy S2 and C8 (longwave-365)
and UV Systems SuperBright II (shortwave-254) lamps, metered
and exposed to show fluorescent response to best advantage.
Key factors include lamp wattage, UV spectrum and filtration, as well as distance from lamp to specimen. For best results with any UV source, observe against a dark, non-fluorescent, non-reflective background, in complete darkness with eyes adapted. For extended viewing, use protective UV-absorbing goggles.
° ° ° ° ° PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING ° ° ° ° °
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INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS:
* US Post Office policy can make economical shipping a challenge. Price increments for packages are as follows:
First class up to 225 g, then 225-900 g, then 900-1350 g (Canada only).
Higher weights require Priority Mail.
I always try to make shipping as cost-effective as possible. Please send a message so we can work things out.
* Please note that import duties, taxes or charges are not included in the item price or shipping fees and are the
buyer’s
responsibility.
While most countries do not charge duty on mineral specimens, you should check in
your own co
untry to be sure before bidding.