Warwickite, Armalcolite – Ps. S.; Aljorra quarries, La Aljorra, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain; MM
Warwickite and Armalcolite – Pseudomorph from Aljorra, Spain
A rare specimen from the Aljorra quarries near Cartagena, Murcia: Warwickite and Armalcolite forming a pseudomorph in titanium-rich metamorphic rocks. Both oxide minerals preserve distinct crystal forms, indicating complete mineral replacement under high-temperature conditions.
Warwickite ((Mg,Ti³⁺,Fe²⁺)₃Ti⁴⁺O₅) is a rare boron–titanium oxide, and Armalcolite ((Mg,Fe²⁺)Ti₂O₅) was first discovered in lunar rock samples. Their occurrence as a pseudomorph reflects the complex geochemistry of the region. The host rocks belong to the Nevado-Filábride unit within the Betic Cordillera, known for advanced regional metamorphism.
Geology & Origin
The Aljorra quarries occasionally yield rare pseudomorphs in massive metamorphic rock, alongside ilmenite and titanite. Such specimens are especially valued by systematic collectors and micromount specialists.
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 |
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