Cancrisilite from Alluaiv, Kola, Russia – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features rare Cancrisilite on a light feldspar-rich matrix from the famous alkaline complex of Alluaiv on the Kola Peninsula. The marked area indicates the occurrence of the mineral. The specimen represents a typical association from this locality and documents the complex mineral assemblages found within the nepheline syenitic rocks of this remarkable region. Individual crystals are only very small and cannot be clearly distinguished in the Picture, but the mineral itself is well documented and of considerable collector interest.
Geology & Origin
Cancrisilite is an extremely rare silicate mineral belonging to the cancrinite group and occurs primarily in alkaline intrusive rocks. The mineral deposits of the Kola Peninsula in northern Russia rank among the world's most important sources of rare minerals and have yielded hundreds of mineral species, including numerous first discoveries. The Alluaiv massif forms part of this unique geological environment, which developed from sodium and potassium rich magmas. Due to its rarity and occurrence at a classic locality, Cancrisilite is highly sought after by collectors specializing in rare silicate minerals.