Catapleiite (rare fine crystals)

Item Description

The world-famous Poudrette Quarry at Mount Saint-Hilaire, Quebec is inarguably one of the world's most significant localities. The prestigious locale produces many "best in the world" examples of many mineral species. For many years, this locality was open for collectors, but new ownership has severely restricted access, so there is much less material available these days. This miniature specimen hosts fine quality "rose"-shaped groups comprising dark brown colored, lustrous, pseudohexagonal (monoclinic) crystals of Catapleiite measuring up to about 5 mm across, sitting on white Calcite, associated with minor greenish-gray colored groups of a member of the Smectite Group (the specific species isn't known). Keep in mind that the vast majority of the Catapleiite crystals from this locality have a lighter beige/white hue, so the dark shade of the crystals is rare for the material. Fine quality, beautiful to view up close, and a superb example of these beautiful Catapleiites from MSH, the finest of which are the best examples of the species ever found in the world.
From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#13614). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.