BASTNASITE
Specimen bas-1

Dims:1.4x1.0x0.5" (3.6x2.5x1.3 cm)

Wt: 0.3oz. (9g)

Luzenac, Ariege, France

There are at least five crystals of bastnasite on this specimen. The crystals are pale brown plates on a dolomite and calcite matrix. The largest bastnasite crystal reaches 0.2" (0.5cm). One of the calcite crystals on this specimen is a twin. There is no visible damage to this specimen.

Dims: 1.18x1.18x0.83" (3.0x3.0x2.1cm)

Wt: 0.46oz. (13.1g)

Trimouns, Ariege, France

A cluster of brown transparent bastnasite crystals rests on the dolomite/calcite matrix of this specimen. Although small, the crystals of bastnasite are clean and distinctive, with good terminations and a vitreous luster. One side of the largest crystal may have been broken - it does not show a natural crystal edge. There are additional brown crystals which may also be bastnasite, but I cannot tell, as the crystals are poor, opaque, and weathered in appearance.