Bastnäsite-(Ce) xls, Synchysite - (Y) xls; Cava Bianchi, Cuasso al Monte, Italy; TN; unique piece
Bastnäsite-(Ce) and Synchysite - (Y) crystals from Cava Bianchi, Cuasso al Monte, Italy– micromount as unique piece
This micromount features embedded Bastnäsite-(Ce) and Synchisite-(Y) crystals from the classic rare-earth locality Cava Bianchi near Cuasso al Monte, Italy. The yellowish-beige Bastnäsite-(Ce) areas contrast with the lighter Synchisite-(Y) zones, both firmly hosted in the reddish-brown matrix. Due to their small size, the crystals are only clearly visible under magnification, yet their characteristic coloration and reaction textures stand out distinctly within the rock.
Geology & origin
Cava Bianchi is well known for fluorine-rich REE mineral assemblages formed in metamorphosed carbonate rocks. Bastnäsite-(Ce) and Synchisite-(Y) typically develop under low to moderate metamorphic conditions, where rare-earth elements interact with carbonates and fluorine. The locality is one of Europe’s classic sources for these minerals and remains valued for its characteristic micromount specimens.
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 |
|---|