Manganocummingtonite or Anthophyllite (formerly Tirodite) (ex Allen Heyl Collection)

Item Description

Let's have fun with Amphiboles! This material has a bit of a rocky history as it was originally named Tirodite in 1938 (after the Tirodi Mine in India) which is now an alkali- and Mn-rich amphibole called Parvowinchite. Many decades later it was determined that there is no such thing as Tirodite, but rather Manganocummingtonite or Anthophyllite. I'm labelling this piece as Manganocummingtonite or Anthophyllite since it seems neither species can be distinguished visually. It does however fluoresce a beautiful orange-pink color under long wave UV light. Whichever species it is, it seems to be quite pure and rich in character. If you love Amphiboles, don't miss out on this rarity, especially if you need a piece for analysis! From the collection of Allen Heyl, a geologist, mineral collector and the namesake of the phosphate species, Aheylite.