Tochilinite (Fe-rich) on Orpiment; Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Valais, Switzerland; Min; unique piece
Tochilinite crystals (Fe-rich) on Orpiment from the Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Valais, Switzerland – miniature specimen as unique piece
This small specimen from the Lengenbach Quarry displays a striking contrast between golden-yellow Orpiment and dark, Fe-rich Tochilinite zones set within a pale dolomite matrix. The vivid yellow Orpiment areas stand out clearly and create strong visual impact, while the metallic-dark Tochilinite provides a distinct complementary element. The specimen originates from a find in the summer of 1988 and represents a rare association of two characteristic minerals from this locality.
Geology & Origin
The Lengenbach Quarry in the Binn Valley, Switzerland, is internationally renowned for its exceptional diversity of complex sulfosalts and related mineral phases. The fine-grained, Fe-rich Tochilinite forms under reducing conditions within the highly mineralised dolomite lens, whereas Orpiment reflects arsenic-rich processes typical of this unique geochemical environment. Their occurrence together in a single piece highlights the remarkable variability and reaction pathways of hydrothermal mineral formation at Lengenbach.
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 |
|---|