Baddeleyite (xls); Phalaborwa, Transvaal, South Africa; TN; unique piece
Embedded Baddeleyite crystals from Phalaborwa, Transvaal, South Africa– micromount as unique piece
This micromount shows embedded Baddeleyite crystals from Phalabora in South Africa. The compact, dark grey to brownish-black material displays the typical blocky habit with a slightly metallic sheen. Some crystal faces are visible but not fully developed, giving the surface a mostly matte to weakly reflective appearance. No additional associated minerals are visible in the matrix, keeping the focus clearly on the Baddeleyite. Due to their small size, the crystals are clearly visible only under magnification.
Geology & Origin
Baddeleyite forms mainly in high-temperature magmatic systems, especially in sodium- and iron-rich carbonatites such as the Phalabora Complex in South Africa. Here, the mineral crystallizes during the late stages of Zr-rich melts and is regarded as a characteristic component of the carbonatitic intrusion. The locality is one of the world’s classic sources and continues to produce micromount specimens with embedded, dark-colored Baddeleyite crystals.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embeddet or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.050000 |
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