Hubeite (TYPE LOCALITY) on Quartz, with Pyrite

Item Description

Very attractive cabinet specimen of the extremely rare calcium manganese silicate, Hubeite, from the TYPE LOCALITY of the Fengjiashan Mine. Clove-brown, lustrous microcrystals of Hubeite liberally coat the Quartz, with minor Pyrite adding to the mineral interest. The Hubeite crystals grow preferentially on the Quartz, which is always a fascinating occurrence, and here the delineation is so sharp that the color contrast adds greatly to the aesthetics. Hubeite specimens are uncommon, to say the least, and it is especially nice when you find one such as this where Hubeites create such a good display. The Fengjiashan Mine (Daye Mine) is the only known locality for the species. This specimen dates from the first finds brought to the USA by the Rocksmiths and sold at shows in the mid-1990s, and at the time they were labeled as possible axinite or various other names, and the identity came later. Named in 2001 after the Hubei Province in China, where the type locality is located.