Goethite pseudomorph after Selenite from the Serpieri Mine, Laurion, Greece – 1 unique flat
This extensive unique flat contains numerous specimens of Goethite pseudomorph after Selenite from the Serpieri Mine at Laurion in Greece. The specimens predominantly show elongated, bladed to prismatic forms in dark grey, black and brown tones. In addition to numerous smaller individual pieces and groups, the assemblage also contains larger specimens as well as pieces with light-coloured or rusty-brown matrix material. The different sizes and formations create a varied selection of these characteristic pseudomorphs from this classic Greek locality.
Geology & Origin
The Serpieri Mine is located in the historic Laurion mining district of Attica, Greece, an area known for its diverse lead, zinc, iron and silver mineralization as well as numerous secondary minerals. In these specimens, original Selenite, a variety of Gypsum, has been replaced by Goethite while the external form of the original mineral has largely been preserved. Such pseudomorphs form through chemical alteration and oxidation processes within the ore-bearing mineralization. The specimens in this flat document different forms of this alteration from the Laurion district.
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) |