Bityite (xls); Harding Mine, NM, USA; Min; unique piece
Embedded Bityite crystals from the Harding Mine, NM, USA – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features embedded Bityite crystals from the famous Harding Mine in New Mexico, USA. The dark gray to blackish gray matrix is intersected by fine pale flaky to scaly crystal areas typical of Bityite. The crystals are mostly embedded rather than freely developed, but they are clearly recognizable across several parts of the surface. Their delicate micaceous luster creates a vivid appearance with silvery reflections on the dark matrix. The specimen comes from a classic American pegmatite locality known for rare lithium and beryllium minerals.
Geology & origin
The Harding Mine in New Mexico is one of the best known pegmatite localities in North America and is famous for its diversity of lithium, beryllium, and rare phosphate minerals. Bityite is a rare lithium bearing mica mineral belonging to the beryllium mineral group and forms in complex granitic pegmatites. Typical are its flaky to scaly crystal aggregates with pale micaceous luster. The Harding Mine has produced numerous scientifically important mineral discoveries and remains one of the classic localities for rare pegmatite minerals.
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) | embedded 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) | 0.080000 |
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