Pachnolita
Pachnolita is a mineral with formula NaCaAlF₆·H₂O, in the Halogenuros group. This specimen comes from Ivigtut Mine, Arsuk Fjord, Sermeksoog, Groenlandia, Dinamarca and joined the Terrium collection in 1975.
Description
Halides.
History of this specimen
In Ivigtut, thomsenolite is more common and many historical pieces labelled as pachnolite have later been reviewed and corrected. For a definitive species confirmation I would need an XRD analysis. The piece originally came from a group of Danish collectors.
About Pachnolita
A rare hydrated sodium, calcium and aluminium fluoride, dimorph of thomsenolite, crystallising in cavities associated with cryolite (Na3AlF6) and forming acicular or fibrous aggregates. Pachnolite has its type locality at Ivigtut and is considered rare even within the already exceptional suite of hydrated halides from the deposit.
About the locality
A unique deposit on a global scale as the only exploitable natural source of cryolite. Active between 1865 and 1987, it had strategic importance during the Second World War due to its use in aluminium production. Famous for hosting more than 70 rare mineral species, many exclusive to the site. After closure, the mine flooded, preventing further extraction and consolidating the historical and collector value of recovered specimens, especially those from cavities with acicular growths.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0147
- Composition
- NaCaAlF₆·H₂O
- Name
- Pachnolita
- Group
- Halogenuros
- Category
- Cavella
- Associations
- thomsenolita
- Mine
- Ivigtut Mine
- District / Municipality
- Arsuk Fjord
- Province
- Sermeksoog
- Region
- Groenlandia
- Country
- Dinamarca
- Size (cm)
- 4.4 x 2.4 x 3.5
- Weight
- 41 g
- Acquired
- 1975
- Ex-collection
- SAF Denmark > Jakob Aandstad
- Etymology
- From the Greek "pachnós" (frost), referring to the white, crystalline appearance of its aggregates.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Clinoatacamita ¿? — Chile