Chayesite xls; de las Cabras, Cancarix, Hellin, Albacete, Spain; MM
Chayesite crystals from Cancarix, Spain – rare titanium silicate in volcanic matrix
Chayesite is an extremely rare titanium-bearing silicate from the rhönite group, formed in peralkaline, mafic volcanic rocks. This specimen originates from Cerro de las Cabras in the Cancarix volcanic complex near Hellín, Albacete Province, Spain – the type locality where the mineral was first described.
In this locality, Chayesite occurs as fine-grained or massive material embedded in a dark volcanic matrix. The mineral typically appears as inconspicuous dark inclusions that can only be clearly identified under magnification. The paragenesis includes clinopyroxene, magnetite, and other high-temperature silicates. Due to its size and visual subtlety, Chayesite is a classic collector’s species for systematic micromount collections and scientifically focused mineral suites.
Geology & Origin
The specimen comes from the Neogene volcanic field of Cancarix in southeastern Spain. The area’s tephritic to phonolitic lava domes provided ideal conditions for the crystallization of rare titanium minerals such as Chayesite, rhönite, and perovskite. Cerro de las Cabras remains one of the very few confirmed localities worldwide for this exceptional mineral.
Picture shows sample!
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) | 0.020000 |
|---|