Dresserite is a rare barium aluminum hydroxycarbonate and is only found in the type locality: the Francon Quarry in Montreal, Canada. The quarry, now disappeared, was literally in the middle of the city, but closed permanently in 1981. This large specimen that we offer presents several small white spheres, formed by radial crystals of dresserite, associated with small honeyed crystals of weloganite, in a matrix with calcite. We can also observe hydrodresserite crystals, a more hydrated species than dresserite. Hydrodresserite forms thicker crystals, resulting in rougher spheres than dresserite.

As is often the case with old labels, the localities are sometimes discrepant with the data we currently have available on the Internet. This historic specimen of ilmenite, from the Joan Astor collection was acquired in 1976 from Joan Montal (former mineral seller from Vilafranca del Penedés), provides us with a label indicating the locality of Saint-Urbain. At the time of documenting this piece, we have found the photo of an ilmenite from Havre-Saint-Pierre (an area further northeast of Saint-Urbain) with a very similar shape and accompanying species and, most notable, it is indicated that it was collected in situ during a visit in 1979 (view), when our specimen dates from 1976. Furthermore, both specimens are formed by aggregates of ilmenite crystals with a few pyrite crystals embeded.

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This miniature is a gem, formed by several grossular crystals, with brilliance, very well defined, transparent and with an intense color. Since the mine closed it is difficult to see specimens of this type. From a former Catalan collection.

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The uvarovite specimens from the Jeffrey are not at all common. This specimen from the Joan Astor collection (Barcelona, Catalunya) dates from the 70s, when some specimens were collected. Small but brilliant and transparent crystals of this garnet, extreme with chromium of the grosularia-uvarovite series.

A classic specimen of spinel, bright, defined and well arranged in the matrix. It is not easy to find them in matrix. This well-known extinct small Quebec mica mine is famous for excellent spinel and forsterite crystals.

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Curious group of fluorapatite crystals, of intense green color, interpertered and with parallel growths. One side is crystalized, the other not... A curiosity analyzed since we doubted that it was not a diopside.

Group of scapolite (meionite) crystals, one of them of good size, that show the prism and dipyramidal faces. With pearlescent luster and a very characteristic ivory color for the specimens of this Canadian locality. They are accompanied by inclusions of diopside. The specimen has been analyzed and the results will be sent to the buyer. Slightly fluorescent under shortwave UV light. A classic specimen difficult to see in the market.

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A very aethetic miniature specimen of sérandite, showing a good salmon color. Defined and with a nice size... From the classic MSH.

A classic specimen of Mt. St-Hilaire combines a group of good sized analcime crystals with trapezohedral faces, well defined and interpenetrating each other. With some sérandite crystals, well defined and showing an excellent bright orange color. It is accompanied by aegirine, green fibrous actinolite and crystals of manganoneptunite with a dark brown color, and probably accompanied by thorian britholite-(Ce) (not perfectly identified). An indispensable classic of mineralogy. We will send analysis to the buyer.