Ferristrunzite xls; Blaton, Belgium; Min; unique piece

Ferristrunzite crystals from Blaton, Belgium – miniature specimen as unique piece

The small cabinet specimen shows Ferristrunzite crystals on a compact, dark-gray to nearly black matrix. The crystals form fine, yellowish-white to cream-colored aggregates, partly displaying radiating structures that cover larger areas of the rock surface. These pale mineral formations are particularly prominent on the upper and lateral surfaces. Rust-brown to orange-brown areas are also visible in places. The specimen originates from Blaton, Belgium, and is offered as a unique specimen.

Geology & Origin

Ferristrunzite is a hydrated iron phosphate belonging to the Strunzite group and forms as a secondary mineral during the weathering and alteration of phosphate-bearing rocks and minerals. Its formation takes place under oxidizing conditions when iron and phosphate are mobilized by aqueous solutions and subsequently crystallize as new mineral phases. The Blaton area in the Belgian province of Hainaut is known for occurrences of various secondary phosphate minerals. Ferristrunzite is among the mineralogically interesting formations associated with this locality.