Ameghinite crystal fromTincalayu, Salta, Argentina– micromount as unique piece
Well-formed crystal with a matte surface and characteristic yellowish-brown coloration. The specimen shows the typical flat-edged habit of Ameghinite, a rare borate mineral from the boron-rich deposits of northern Argentina. The crystal is translucent and exhibits natural crystal boundaries – ideal for systematic collections of rare borates.
Ameghinite is a very rare borate mineral, first described from Tincalayu, Argentina. Crystals of this species are extremely uncommon and often only found in microscopic sizes or as fragments – this specimen represents a true rarity.
Geology & Origin:
Tincalayu, located in the Salar del Hombre Muerto (Salta, Argentina), is one of the world’s most important borate deposits. It formed through the evaporation of boron-rich brines in an arid basin. Ameghinite crystallizes there as a secondary mineral in association with other borates such as Inyoite, Borax, and Kernite. Well-preserved crystals like this are rarely available on the market.
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
