BIXBYITE
Specimen bix-2
$ 35.00Dims: 0.9" x 0.7" x 0.5" (2.3 x 1.8 x 1.3 cm)
Wt: 5.0 g
Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, U.S.A.
This relatively simple thumbnail specimen consists of a lone Bixbyite crysal that is resting on a pale gray host. It is undamaged and measures nearly 0.2" (4 mm) along each of its axes. It has a dark, gray-black coloration that is almost indicative of galena. The crystal has excellent cubic form, with sharp edges and clean faces that show a metallic luster. Its form is not perfect, though, as it was interrupted due to intergrowth with a topaz crystal. There are at least 4 discernable topazes visible on the piece, but none are complete; they are all missing their terminations, which seem to have been cleaved cleanly off. They have the standard pale beige coloration and vitreous luster, and are tranparent and show considerable clarity. They partially extend out of the pale, chalky host rock. The specimen is affixed inside a plastic specimen box with adhesive putty.