Brianyoungite; Gelbe Birke Mine, Saxony, Germany; Min; unique piece
Brianyoungite from Gelbe Birke Mine, Saxony, Germany– miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features fine-grained, silvery-gray coatings of Brianyoungite on a light quartzitic matrix. The metallic-looking areas show a faint bluish sheen depending on the light. The mineral occurs here in typical microcrystalline form, creating thin, uneven coatings and patches across the surface – a representative example of Brianyoungite from the historic Gelbe Birke Mine in Saxony.
Geology & Origin
Brianyoungite is a rare zinc carbonate hydroxide that forms secondarily in the oxidation zone of zinc-bearing ore deposits. At the Gelbe Birke Mine, a classic locality in the Ore Mountains, it occurs together with Smithsonite, Hydrozincite, and Cerussite. These minerals develop through the alteration of zinc sulfides by carbonate-bearing host rocks in near-surface hydrothermal environments. Specimens from this locality are highly collectible due to the rarity of the mineral and its distinctive mode of formation.
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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