BRUCITE
Specimen bru-3
$ 75.00Dims: 2.7 x 2.3 x 1.1" (6.9 x 5.8 x 2.8 cm)
Wt: 2.57 oz. (72.8 g)
Boulby Potash Mine, Cleveland, Yorkshire, England
Though this specimen is composed almost entirely of Brucite, only a small percentage of the material shows any crystalline form. These formations are confined to two opposing surfaces on the specimen, which is likely part of a crust One of the surfaces shows tiny, botryoidal orbs that are heavily intergrown and dusted with microscopic crystals, giving them a slight sparkle. These orbs do not exceed 3 mm in diameter, and they show a few small areas of noticeable damage. However, these damaged areas allow one to see a few cross-sections of crystals, which contain visible concentric layering. Under magnification, one can see that each of these nodules is actually a cluster, of compact, fibrous, radial needles. The opposing surface also shows some definite botryoidal form, but these orbs are covered with larger, visible trigonal prismatic crystals that are transparent, quite clear, and possess a vitreous luster. All of the material has a uniform pale-green coloration that is slightly to intensely rust-stained in several areas.