HORNBLEND
Specimen hor-2

Dims: 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.1" (4.2 x 4.2 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 1.6 oz. (46 g)

Kragero, Norway

This lovely hand specimen consists of a cluster of well-formed Hornblende prisms that are in excellent condition. There is almost no fresh damage to speak of, and all show a very good monoclinic prismatic form. One very unusual trait that these crystals possess is the fact that they have no definable crystalline terminations. Instead, their habit becomes compact and fibrous, and then separates into tiny, short individual fibers. These fibers are soft to the touch and have a pale, gray-white color and a silky luster. They occur on both the top and bottom of the cluster. There is no host rock of any sort present.

Dims: 2.1 x 1.3 x 1.1" (5.3 x 3.3 x 2.9 cm)

Wt: 2.0 oz. (58 g)

Radium Creek, Southern Australia, Australia

A single, weathered and incomplete Hornblende crystal appears to make up this hand specimen. Though incomplete, it shows little damage. Even with considerable weathering, its monoclinic form is relatively good, showing several faces. Though heavily rust-stained, its color is black and its luster is pearly. There is no appreciable host rock present.