Cryolite (rare)

Item Description

This rare and unusual halide species is best known from Greenland, where the finest examples are found. The species dates back to 1799, and gets its name from the Greek words meaning "ice stone" due to the appearance of the crystals. The habit is actually monoclinic, though they look cubic, they are only cuboidal. Interestingly enough, the material inverts to an isometric (cubic) form at about 560 degrees when heated! The brownish, prismatic, thinner crystals associated with the Cryolites are actually Thomsenolite, so it should be noted that there are two species present. This is a classic specimen of this beloved material from the type locality in Greenland, the Ivigtut Cryolite deposit. If you've ever wanted a piece of the interesting and unusual mineral, don't miss out on a change to obtain a well-crystallized example from this historic deposit.