Quartz-feldspar-muscovite pegmatite

Virtual Museum ID: 19-P4-04

Specimen Summary


very similar to I4-06; includes a single 3 cm crystal of tourmaline (?)

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on Earth, present in many different types of rocks. Although usually clear or milky white in colour, quartz is found in a variety of colours due to impurities in the crystal structure. Pure quartz consists of silicon and oxygen only, but atoms of other elements often make their way into the quartz crystal structure, colouring the crystals. Some varieties of quartz, like purple amethyst and yellow citrine, are considered to be semi-precious gemstones and have been used since ancient times to make jewellery and decorative objects. Well-formed (euhedral) crystals of quartz have a hexagonal cross section and are highly collectible.

Muscovite is a white mica mineral that forms very thin flakes, which often grow together in “books” many layers thick. Usually quite small, the hexagonal flakes can grow up to a metre across, although this is extremely rare because the flakes are so delicate. Muscovite forms in several different geological environments: in metamorphic rocks, especially schist and gneiss, and in mineral deposits like porphyry deposits, where it occurs in and around veins.

Pegmatites are very coarse intrusive rocks that form very late in the evolution of a magma body. They contain large crystals, often of minerals rarely found in other rocks.

Specimen Data

 

The information listed below relates to the current holding location or collection that the sample is from, and whether the item is viewable at that location or is part of a private collection. Coordinates are given as guides, and we remind you that collecting specimens from these locations is not allowed. Caution is advised visiting such sites and Below BC assumes no responsibility for any injuries or trespassing charges that may occur as a result of the viewer entering these sites.

Collection Details

Original Collection:

Smithers Exploration Group (SEG)

Sub Collection:

Pegmatites

Collection ID:

P4-04

Virtual Museum ID:

19-P4-04

Accessibility:

Date Added to VM:

2019-02-22

Location Information

Sample Origin:

SEG is location

Specific Site:

unknown

UTM Easting:

618466

UTM Northing:

6071559

Datum:

09 (NAD 83)

Coordinate Accuracy:

Specimen Details

VM Category:

Rock

Primary Features:

Quartz-feldspar-muscovite pegmatite

Primary Mineral Formula:

Primary Category:

oxide silicate

Secondary Features:

Tourmaline

Advanced Geological Information

 

The following section provides geological data relating to the specimen or the site it was collected from, when available. Information has been obtained from various sources including private and government datasets but may not be up to date. Any geological time periods or ages listed often relate to the primary geology of the area, and may not be the actual date of an event such as mineral formation.

Geological Formation:

N/A

Geological Period:

N/A

Stratigraphic Age:

N/A

Geological Belt:

N/A

Geological Terrane:

N/A

Minfile ID:

N/A

Minfile Link:

N/A

Site Details:

N/A

Additional Images