Bloedite (rare)

Item Description

Bloedite is a rare hydrated sulfate found in oceanic and lacustrine salt deposits and in nitrate deposits in arid regions. The well-known Soda Lake is one such deposite. This doubly-terminated, dark grey, floater crystal is lustrous, transparent to translucent and has defined faces and edges on one side, and a more rolling , yet crystallized, surface on the reverse. There is one chip near one termination, but it has little effect on the overall appearance. These crystals tend to be fascinating, and like many evaporites, need some sort of coating to help protect it from moisture or to be kept in a sealed bag or box, and not in a humid environment. Highly representative material from the famous Soda Lake of California. This was recently deaccessed from the extensive collection of Bob Reynolds, who cherished both minerals and fossils as he collected. Bob is a prolific author and has had several curating positions in museums.