Breithauptite; Samson Mine, St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany; Min; unique piece
Breithauptite from the Samson Mine, St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany– miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen displays a metallic surface of reddish to copper-colored Breithauptite on a dark matrix. The typical color of this nickel arsenide is well developed here, showing deep red to violet reflections depending on the light angle. The crystals are finely embedded, forming a smooth to slightly granular surface with a distinctive metallic luster. A classic collector’s piece from the famous Samson Mine in the Harz Mountains, renowned for its variety of rare nickel and cobalt minerals.
Geology & Origin
Breithauptite (NiSb) is a rare nickel arsenide that occurs in hydrothermal veins and is typically associated with Nickeline, Skutterudite, and Safflorite. The Samson Mine in St. Andreasberg is one of Europe’s classic localities, where Breithauptite was first described in the 19th century. The mineralization formed through low-temperature hydrothermal processes in the Harz Mountains, which produced an exceptional diversity of arsenide 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) | 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) | 0.080000 |
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