Thomsenolite with Cryolite (rare)

Item Description

These rare and unusual halide species are best known from Greenland, where the finest examples are found. Cryolite dates back to 1799, and gets its name from the Greek words meaning "ice stone" due to the appearance of the crystals. Thomsenolite dates back to 1868 and is named after Hans Peter Jorgen Julius Thomsen who has a chemistry professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The habit of both species is actually monoclinic, though they look cubic, they are only cuboidal with crystals measuring up to a few mm. Interestingly enough, Cryolite inverts to an isometric (cubic) form at about 560 degrees when heated! This is a classic specimen of this beloved association from the type locality for both species Ivigtut Cryolite Deposit in Greenland. If you collect rarities, or if you've ever wanted a piece of the interesting and unusual mineral, don't miss out on a chance to obtain a well-crystallized example from this historic deposit. From an old East Coast collection.