EUXENITE
Specimen eux-1
$ 45.00Dims: 1.9 x 0.9 x 0.9" (4.8 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm)
Wt: 1.2 oz. (33 g)
Betroka, Madagascar
This intriguing hand specimen consists of a cluster of heavily-intergrown Euxenite crystals. These crystals are in moderately good condition, showing visible damage in a few areas, but the largest crystals are in very good condition and reach lengths of 1.9" (4.9 cm). Their orthorhombic form is reasonably good, considering their intergrowth, and all are coated with a dull, pale brown crust- damaged areas show their actual brown-black color and greasy luster. The crystals on the front and back are oriented in different directions. I have tested this piece with a Geiger-muller counter, and consider it to be mildly radioactive- storage in a box or behind glass should sufficiently block almost all radiation, but it should be kept away from photosensitive minerals.