Hydroxycancrinite (ridiculously rare) (ex Matioli Collection)

Item Description

Hydroxycancrinite is a member of the Cancrinite group and actually is the OH (hydroxyl) analogue of Cancrinite. The species is only found in TWO places in the world, both of which are in the Lovozero Massif of the Kola Peninsula in far northwestern Russia. Interestingtly, the majority of the peninsula actually lies within the Acrtic Circle, and according to the listing on Wikipedia: "Because the last ice age removed the top sediment layer of the soil, the Kola Peninsula is on the surface extremely rich in various ores and minerals". With that said, this piece features a small patch of distinctly blue colored Hydroxycancrinite in host rock matrix. The color is distinctive and a positive ID that this is a genuine specimen of this ridiculously rare species. If you collect rarities or minerals from Russia / Kola Peninsula, don't miss out on this incredibly elusive specimen that I believe was mined over 20 years ago. From the collection of Paolo Matioli.