Bentorite (ultra rare sulfate - Type Locality in Israel)

Item Description

Bentorite is an ultra-rare hydrated sulfate with chromium as the chromophore and this Formation is the Type Locality. A 5-6 mm thick band bisects the sculptural matrix. The pretty lilac color is not quite as intense, as the photos show. The Hatrurim Formation is largely composed of an unusual rock type, a type of natural portland cement formed by high-temperature alteration of late Cretaceous to lower Eocene bituminous chalk, marl and impure limestone (MINDAT). This is a rich and showy example of this extreme rarity.