Alstonite crystals from Alston Moor, Northumberland, UK – micromount as unique piece
Compact specimen featuring numerous small Alstonite crystals in shades of grey-white to light grey. The crystals display prismatic to tabular habits with a slight luster and are clearly visible to the naked eye. The piece comes from the classic barite-fluorite district of Alston Moor in northern England, a historic locality and type locality for this rare barium carbonate.
Alstonite is a rare carbonate mineral of the barite group, containing both barium and calcium. Due to its limited occurrences and typical association with fluorite and barite, it is a desirable species for systematic mineral collections.
Geology & Origin:
Alston Moor in Northumberland (UK) is a classic English locality known for barite and fluorite deposits, often with rare accessory minerals. Alstonite forms in hydrothermal veins and is typically found alongside barite, calcite, or quartz. As the type locality, this site is considered a reference point for the species.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
Sizes
Description
approx. Sizes in mm/cm
approx. Sizes in INCH
Capsule
Capsule
0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm)
capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm
capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in
TN/mm
Micromount (TN = Thumbnail)
everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in
approx. 0.5–2.5 cm
max. 1 in
Min
Miniature specimen
will not fit a TN or MM box anymore
approx. 2.5–5 cm
approx. 0.2–1.0 in
Scab
small cabinet specimen
approx. one-third to half a hand size
approx. 5–9 cm
approx. 1.0–2.0 in
Cab
cabinet specimen
full hand size
approx. 9–15 cm
approx. 2.0–3.5 in
large Cab
large cabinet specimen
approx. two hand sizes
approx. 15–30 cm
approx. 3.5–6.0 in
very large Cab
very large cabinet specimen
everything larger, no upper limit
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
Abbreviation
Meaning
xl
single crystal, possible with matrix
xls
noticeable crystals
(xl)
embedded or damaged
(xls)
embedded or damaged
MASS
massive and/or amorphous pieces
TYP
type locality of the original description
SWUV
shortwave-UV-reaction
UV
ultraviolet reaction
SC
self-collected
U
unique (single unique piece)
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH Steinslieth 11 D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
