HYDROBORACITE
Specimen hyo-1

Dims:2.1x0.9x0.6" (5.3x2.3x1.5 cm)

Wt: 0.4oz. (10g)

Bigadic, Turkey

This specimen consists of an intergrown cluster of fibrous hydroboracite crystals. This habit is common among Turkish specimens. The crystals show impurities in places (the darker colors), and are relativly undamaged. No details of the monoclinic crystal form can be observed. This specimen exhibits a pearly luster.

Dims:1.6x1.5x0.7" (4.1x3.8x1.8 cm)

Wt: 0.5oz. (14g)

Thompson Mine, Ryan, Inyo cty., California

This is an excellent specimen of fibrous, radiating boracite crystals on a small amount of evaporite matrix. The crystals are translucent to transparent on the tips, and show good monoclinic terminations. A few of the crystals show some damage, but this is relatively minor. One side of the cluster shows minor iron staining.

Dims:1.3x1.1x0.9" (3.3x2.8x2.3 cm)

Wt: 0.5oz. (15g)

Mt. Blanco, Death Valley, Inyo cty., California

This is an interesting specimen. One side of the matrix of this piece is covered with sprays of acicular hydroboracite. The other side of the matrix is covered with blades of colemanite. The hydroboracite crystals reach 0.5" (1.3cm) in length; the colemanite crystals reach 0.2" (0.5cm) in length. There is only minor damage around the edges of this specimen.