Hutchinsonite, Lengenbachite xls; Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Valais, Switzerland; Min; unique piece
Hutchinsonite and Lengenbachite crystals from the Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Valais, Switzerland – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen from the famous Lengenbach quarry in the Binn Valley features a fine association of Hutchinsonite and Lengenbachite embedded in the characteristic light grey to white dolomite matrix. The metallic, needle-like to granular inclusions contrast clearly with the host rock and reflect the typical paragenesis of the arsenic-rich Lengenbach zone. The piece originates from specimen number L-11373 and was collected in 1975, making it a well-documented historic example from a period when such material was more readily available. As a unique piece, it combines mineralogical rarity with historical significance.
Geology & Origin
The Lengenbach quarry in Switzerland’s Valais region is one of the world’s most important localities for rare arsenic minerals. Within a complex dolomite vein system, hydrothermal processes produced many unique species, including Hutchinsonite (a rare thallium-arsenic sulfosalt) and the locality-specific Lengenbachite. These minerals commonly occur as fine metallic aggregates and are closely tied to the exceptional geochemical environment of the deposit: high arsenic content, low temperatures and mineral-rich fluids. This specimen displays the characteristic mineralogical signature of classic Lengenbach finds from the 1970s.
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) | embeddet 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
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.080000 |
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