Very Rare Ewaldite Micro - Crystals With Donnayite - (Y) “caps” - Mont Saint - Hilaire
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:19664901 | Modified Item: No |
| Seller: LMB Minerals | Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada |
Veryrare Ewaldite micro-crystals with Donnayite-(Y) “caps” - Mont Saint-HilaireSize 25 x 15 x 8 mm. Weight: 0.1 oz (3 g). With TN case 0.5 oz (14g)Regarding ewaldite, donnayite-(Y), and this specimen:Ewalditeis a very rare mineral, known from only 8 localities. Perhaps the mostattractive specimens – all micros – are those from the Dolyhir Quarry, Wales and MSH.The crystals from MSH are particularly interesting because the typically occurwith “caps” of donnayite-...(Y), as isthe case on this specimen.MSH is theTL for donnayite-(Y). It is amoderately uncommon mineral here, but it occurs in much larger crystals thanthe tiny caps on the ewalditecrystals on this specimen. However, that’s not the point. The occurrence of“capped” ewaldite is quite rare – iffor no other reason than the fact that anytype of ewaldite is quite rare atMSH.As far as Iknow, the material from this find has not been analyzed, and, in general theidentification of “mckelveyite group” minerals is fraught with difficultiesdues to the fact that it is typical for members of the group to besyntactically inter-grown and also chemically zoned. In addition, according toHorváth, syntactic inter-growth with synchysite-(Ce) is also common. (Not tomention that there is still debate regarding the definition of members of thegroup!) Trying to get an ID via EDS can often be an invitation to frustration! Nevertheless, this is an exceptionally nice example of “cappedewaldite”. Regarding the photos: The firstthree photos (FOV 1.8 x 1.3 mm) show the main group of ewaldite crystals plusdonnayite-(Y) caps. The total height of the largest crystal + cap is 0.8 mm.The third of these photos is a “cross-eye” stereo pair – very useful if you canfuse the images. If not, try flipping back and forth between the first two photos for a different 3Deffect.The next three photos (FOV 1.9 x 1.2 mm) showslightly smaller ewaldite crystals + donnayite-(Y) caps. The largest ewaldite +cap here is 0.65 mm tall. The third photo is again a stereo pair. Regarding shipping etc:Single item shipping weight 3.3oz (94 g). Please use the postage calculator to estimate shipping costs toyour destination. Note that eBay and PayPal sellercharges are based on the total price - including postage and packingcosts! This adds about $2.25 to the cost of shipping to most non-USAdestinations. For small orders, I must pass most of this extra cost on to thebuyer. It is included in the shipping estimate via a “handling” charge. Forlarger orders, I generally give discounted postage. If you want to save on postage by combiningitems from this or other auctions you must wait for my invoice. I willautomatically combine items if I can. For shipments outsidethe USA, up to a total weight< 8 oz (225g), this can be combined with items from this or otherauctions for the same postage. Within the USA, the net shippingcost for total weights up to 13 oz ranges from $5.10 to $7.00 (including $0.75for packing). Above 13 oz, I will use "own box" PriorityMail. The rate, including packing and eBay/PayPal fees varies bydestination from $9 to $11.I only ship standard rate to the USA (including Puerto Rico etc), Canada, Mexico, Europe (excluding Russian Federation), Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. All other destinations, you must inquire before bidding. I will try to work with you, but insurance andfull tracking may be required. If you experience a lost package, you may bebarred from further bidding. In my experience, there has been only one lostpackage and two damaged packages out of several hundred sent. I have done my best to provide accurate IDs. Ifyou are not convinced, don't bid. You are always welcome to ask for moreinformation. But this is not an "approval" service for peoplewho want to learn how to identify rare minerals or mineralogists looking forstudy material. Returns are only accepted for items over $50, and thebuyer is responsible for return postage. Shipping charges assessed for packagesreturned due to non-payment of any customs/VAT fees assessed by the destinationcountry are also the buyer's responsibility. This should not be a"real" issue. Out of several hundred packages sent, I have had onlyone return.
