Aluminite (ex Van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

Aluminite is a lesser known aluminum sulfate and according to mindat is found "as concretionary deposits in Tertiary to Quaternary clays, marls, and lignites, formed by the action of sulfate solutions derived from the decay of pyrite or marcasite on aluminous silicates. Typically in clays or lignites, formed by the reaction of sulfate-bearing solutions from the decomposition of marcasite or pyrite at moderate temperatures with aluminous silicates; as a volcanic sublimate; in sulfur deposits; rarely in caves" This piece is a very attractive group of the classic material from Newhaven. It features bright white nodules of Aluminite in a solid mass. Ex Wouter Van Tichelen collection.