Warwickite, Fluorophlogopite xls; Aljorra quarries, La Aljorra, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain; MM
Warwickite and Fluorophlogopite crystals from Aljorra, Spain – titanium-rich paragenesis from metamorphic rocks
This micromount specimen from the Aljorra quarries near Cartagena, Murcia region, features an uncommon association of warwickite and fluorophlogopite. Warwickite ((Mg,Ti³⁺,Fe²⁺)₃Ti⁴⁺O₅) is a rare boron–titanium oxide, appearing here as fine-grained to fibrous aggregates. Fluorophlogopite, a fluorine-dominant mica of the phlogopite group, forms shiny, pale areas within the matrix – typical of high-temperature, titanium-enriched environments.
This mineral combination is characteristic of contact metamorphic zones or metasomatized mafic rocks. The specimen derives from a titanium-rich oxide paragenesis that formed under complex geochemical conditions in the Aljorra region.
Geology & Origin
The Aljorra quarries are located at the contact between intrusive gabbro and carbonate sediments. This geological setting promotes the formation of rare oxides and silicates through fluorine and titanium enrichment – including warwickite, fluorophlogopite, ilmenite, armalcolite, and more. Aljorra is internationally known among micromount collectors.
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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