Cornish Fluorite…

A lot of collectors like fluorite. Whether it be for the isometric (cubic) symmetry (for those that might be a little obsessive-compulsive 😁), the range of colours and zoning, the fluorescence, or for other reasons. This specimen is from Wheal Remfrey China Clay Pit, Saint Enoder, Cornwall, and has good colour and zoning with darker edges, but no fluorescence. I have not had the opportunity to collect in Cornwall although it is one of my favourite mineral-producing areas. I have only been there once. I was about 9 or 10 years old at the time on a family holiday, a long time before I became interested in minerals. But fortunately, I have been able to acquire some specimens from friends, this one from Richard Bell 15 or more years ago. Width of view 3.5mm. Stack of 55 images. Steve Sorrell specimen and photo. Click on the image below for a higher resolution version.

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Microminerals and Social Media

There are a number of ways that you can share photos of your microminerals, or simply enjoy others’ posts, on Social Media. On Facebook, there is the British Micromount Collectors Group (set up for members of the BMS, then opened more widely), The Micromount Club, and Minerals of Slags if that is something you are interested in. If you aren’t that keen on Facebook, there is an alternative in MeWe. On this site, there is a mineral hub with groups set up for Micromounts, Specimen a Day, and Mineral of the Week, amongst others. In the latter, this week’s Mineral of the Week is olivenite, and this specimen from Wheal Gorland in Cornwall is one of the olivenite specimens posted. Click on the image for a higher resolution version.

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Cornish Anatase…

It can be quite hard to pick out a single dark crystal on a generally all over dark specimen! Here is an example of a dark blue anatase crystal on a specimen that is on a matrix of mostly dark green chlorite. The specimen also contains cassiterite, albite and quartz. Anatase is a titanium oxide and can occur in equant crystals in a range of colours. Ex Bernie and Margaret Day Collection. The label on the base of the box is in Chris Jewson’s handwriting, and was collected around 2001. Width of view 3.5mm. Stack of 65 images. Steve Sorrell collection and photo.

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