|
|
www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
|
|
Thorbastnaesite |
||
Name
Thorbastnaesite
Chemistry
Th(Ca,Ce(CO3)2.H2O
Uses
As a mineral specimen
Color
Usually white
Hardness
4-4.5
Specific gravity
4.04
Streak
White
Crystals
hexagonal prismatic.
Accompanied by:
Donnayite, chlorite
Similar to:
Bastnaesite
This is an extremely rare mineral that has only been recorded in three places in the world and I discovered a fourth place. My specimen comes from the Jan Coetzee mine at Springbok in South Africa
The crystals looks like opaque beryl crystals. Flat termination with pristine hexagonal form in prismatic crystals. I tried to find pictures on the internet of thorbastnaesite but few are available. I send of my sample of the mineral to Canada to be tested and the words of the Kerry Day was :"Thorbastnaesite, very nice material"
I unfortunately only have one specimen and will most likely never have any more due to the closure of the mine many years ago.
It is also found at the Saint-Hilaire mount.
Little else has been written about this rare mineral.
