TUC12-27
Eitelite
Westvaco Mine, Green River, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming, USA
Miniature, 3.6 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm
SOLD
Eitelite is an EXTREMELY rare carbonate mineral species, found in masses of grains or smears at a very few locales (see MINDAT: http://www.mindat.org/min-1360.html). Interestingly it was named after the scientist who first made it in the lab, rather than a natural crystal or example. Thus, natural, large eitelite specimens are unprecedented, even more than with most rare species, and this surprise new find released at the show was a big surprise for those who collect the rarities. These attractive specimens seem to be true crystals of eitelite, though grown in conjoined, lamellar masses. The top may be a contacted termination, where it grew against a constricting matrix of the pocket.