Crichtonite (fine rare crystals)

Item Description

Here we have a superb old specimen of the rare mineral Crichtonite (pronounced cry-tonite as according to the entry on the mindat.org, the species was first described by, "Count J. L. de Bournon in 1788. He published the name as craitonite 1813, in honor of Sir Alexander A. Crichton (2 December 1763, Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland - 4 June 1856), physician and mineral collector, who provided de Bournon with the specimens. The misspelling was an attempt to reproduce the pronunciation for French readers". With that said, this is a very rare metal titanates species, containing strontium, manganese, yttrium, uranium, iron, titanium, chromium and vanadium. Specimens are notably rare on the market, and certainly rich pieces such as this are highly desirable. The piece features an exposed vug filled with dark grey-black, metallic, trigonal crystals and compressed blades measuring up to 6 mm across. It's a notably rich specimen for the species, and the crystals are fun to view up close. A very good example of this seldom seen mineral with an old Schortmann's label. Valued at $1,000.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector.