Barahonaite - (Fe), Barahonaite - (Al) xls; Reconquistada, Pastrana, Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain; MM
Barahonaite - (Fe) & Barahonaite - (Al) crystals from Mazarrón, Spain – rare arsenate pair from the Reconquistada Mine
This remarkable micromount specimen from the Reconquistada Mine near Pastrana in the Mazarrón ore district, Spain, features two extremely rare members of the tyrolite group: Barahonaite-(Fe) and Barahonaite-(Al). Collected in 1998, the specimen shows fine bluish-green to yellow-green coatings on oxidized limonite matrix – without distinct crystal forms, but with typical coloration.
Barahonaite-(Fe) is the iron-rich species, while Barahonaite-(Al) is the much rarer aluminum-dominant analogue. Their co-occurrence at a single locality is exceptional and makes this piece a valuable addition to any systematic collection focused on secondary arsenates.
Geology & Origin
Mazarrón is one of Spain’s classic mining districts, known for its diversity of rare secondary minerals. In the highly oxidized zones of the Reconquistada Mine, alteration of arsenic-rich copper and iron ores under semi-arid conditions gave rise to rare arsenate species like Barahonaite-(Fe) and Barahonaite-(Al).
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) | 0.020000 |
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