Rosell Minerales

Radial aggregates of ludwigite crystals, a rare magnesium iron borate. It is accompanied by pyrite. Usually many of these specimens have been acidified, this is not the case. It belongs to the collection of Joan Astor, with a handwritten label.

Size: 7.8 x 5.3 x 2.4 cm.
Found in ±1979.

Col. J. Astor, Barcelona.

These Italian calcite specimens were labeled, decades ago, as vaterite, a polymorph of calcite and aragonite. Hexagonal shapes, with well-defined, flattened and interpenetrating crystals, led to this assumption. They were obtained from a excavation works that revealed a large fissure filled with gneiss blocks of various sizes cemented by crystallized calcite. This calcite appeared as milky white pseudohexagonal prismatic crystals. This specimen belongs to the Joan Astor collection (Barcelona), with a handwritten label and another typewritten.

Size: 7.2 x 5.5 x 4.7 cm.
Main crystal: 2.2 x 0.9 cm.
Found in ±1976.

Col. J. Astor, Barcelona.

Really fine specimen for this rare species. The balangeroite is a magnesium, iron anfd manganese silicate, only found in a few places worldwide. The serpentine Poggio San Vittore quarry, which were the best samples has been found and it is the type locality for the species, is abandoned since 1990. The mineral usually appears included in the serpentine matrix and only few fibers are aerial. In this specimen, fibers are totally aerial and with a good length.

Size: 4.2 x 4 x 3.4 cm.
Main crystal: 3.2 cm.
Found in ca. 1985.

Col. J. Astor (Barcelona).
Type Locality

Glaucophane is an unusual species member of the amphibol group. This Italian locality is known worldwide for the good specimens of this species. It is usually covered with calcite, which once removed shows sculptural aggregates of striated tabular to prismatic translucent crystals, with an intense bluish-gray color, almost violet. In the cavities appear small orange crystals of rutile and groups of chromian muscovite (var. fuchsite). Pyrite crystals also can be found. A good sized and very aesthetic combination from this classic locality.

Size: 8 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm.
Main crystal: 14 mm.

Glaucophane is an unusual species member of the amphibol group. This Italian locality is known worldwide for the good specimens of this species. It is usually covered with calcite, which once removed shows sculptural aggregates of striated tabular to prismatic translucent crystals, with an intense bluish-gray color, almost violet. In the cavities appear small orange crystals of rutile and groups of chromian muscovite (var. fuchsite). Pyrite crystals also can be found. A good sized and very aesthetic combination from this classic locality.

Size: 7.3 x 6.5 x 4.2 cm.
Main crystal: 23 mm.

Glaucophane is an unusual species member of the amphibol group. This Italian locality is known worldwide for the good specimens of this species. It is usually covered with calcite, which once removed shows sculptural aggregates of striated tabular to prismatic translucent crystals, with an intense bluish-gray color, almost violet. In the cavities appear small orange crystals of rutile and groups of chromian muscovite (var. fuchsite). Pyrite crystals also can be found. A good sized and very aesthetic combination from this classic locality.

Size: 7 x 6.4 x 5.4 cm.
Main crystal: 18 mm.

Really fine specimen, with good size, for this rare species. The balangeroite is a magnesium, iron anfd manganese silicate, only found in a few places worldwide. The serpentine Poggio San Vittore quarry, which were the best samples has been found and it is the type locality for the species, is abandoned since 1990.
The mineral usually appears included in the serpentine matrix and only few fibers are aerial. In this specimen, fibers are totally aerial and with an unusual length. A definitive piece, from the TL for selected displays.

Size: 12.4 x 6.0 x 5.5 cm.
Main crystal: 95 mm. fibr.

Really fine specimen, with good size, for this rare species. The balangeroite is a magnesium, iron anfd manganese silicate, only found in a few places worldwide. The serpentine Poggio San Vittore quarry, which were the best samples has been found and it is the type locality for the species, is abandoned since 1990.
The mineral usually appears included in the serpentine matrix and only few fibers are aerial. In this specimen, fibers are totally aerial and with an unusual length. A definitive piece, from the TL for selected displays.

Size: 13.5 x 9.0 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 90 mm fibr.