Bonattite xls; Steamboat Springs, NV, USA; Scab; unique piece
Bonattite crystals from Steamboat Springs, NV, USA – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This rare small cabinet specimen displays Bonnattite as delicate yellowish to cream-colored crystal coatings on a porous matrix. The crystals are visible and form fine velvety to fibrous aggregates covering large portions of the surface. The mineral gives the specimen an interesting texture and the characteristic fine-crystalline appearance typical of sulfate minerals. The uniform development of these crystal coatings makes this an attractive specimen for collectors of rare secondary minerals.
Geology & Origin
Bonnattite is a rare hydrated iron sulfate with the chemical formula Fe³⁺₆(SO₄)₉·17H₂O. It forms as a secondary mineral through the weathering of iron-bearing sulfides under strongly oxidizing conditions. The geothermally active Steamboat Springs area in Nevada is well known for its diverse hydrothermal alteration minerals and rare sulfate assemblages. Interaction between hot sulfate-rich fluids and the surrounding rocks has produced a variety of complex mineral associations, including Bonnattite. Because of its rarity and often delicate habit, the mineral is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
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) | 0.100000 |
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