A remarkable, and incredibly rare Melanterite specimen displaying vivid green to blue-green crystalline growth. An fascinating transition mineral, Melanterite is not only prized for its striking colour but for its remarkable instability – over time, Melanterite will eventually naturally lose water from its structure and transform into other hydrated iron sulphate minerals.
Comes with acrylic display box
0.045 kg
L 3 W 2.3 H 2 cm
Only 1 left in stock
A remarkable example of Melanterite displaying vivid green to blue-green crystalline growth. Well-formed crystals are uncommon, with most occurring as delicate fibrous coatings, encrustations and stalactitic growths. The rare transparent, vivid blue-green crystals are particularly prized by collectors. Famous for it’s instability, over time Melanterite will naturally lose water from its structure and transform into other hydrated iron sulphate minerals.
This means every Melanterite specimen is, quite literally, a mineral in transition. Its delicate nature and temporary existence make it a particularly fascinating addition to a serious mineral collection.
This specimen is from an exciting recent discovery from Khenifra, Morocco and represents a new reported locality for Melanterite, and is especially unusual producing exceptionally well-formed and well-preserved crystals compared with the delicate growths more typically encountered.
Melanterite is a hydrated iron sulphate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral through the oxidation of iron-bearing sulphide minerals, particularly Pyrite and Marcasite. It develops where oxygen and moisture interact with sulphide-rich material, often within the near-surface environments of mineral deposits and mine workings.
What makes Melanterite particularly unusual is its unstable nature. Water is an essential part of its crystal structure, and when exposed to drier conditions it can gradually lose this water. As this happens, Melanterite can alter into other hydrated iron sulphate minerals, including Rozenite and Siderotil.
The exact rate of this transformation depends on environmental conditions, meaning that there is no fixed lifespan for a specimen. Under favourable conditions, Melanterite can be preserved for considerable periods, but eventually it will alter as its chemistry and hydration state change.
Rather than being a flaw, this instability is an intrinsic part of what makes Melanterite so scientifically fascinating. The specimen you collect today represents a particular moment in an ongoing geological process.
Melanterite is prized for something few minerals can offer: its impermanence. Unlike most minerals that remain chemically stable once formed, Melanterite is naturally destined to transform into other minerals. This makes it a fascinating snapshot of an ongoing chemical process, as well as a striking and unusual collector’s specimen.
Highly soluble and fragile. Wear gloves when handling, keep completely dry, and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Melanterite is extremely sensitive to changes in humidity and can gradually dehydrate and alter. Even with careful storage, some degree of alteration will occur over time – this is a natural characteristic of the mineral and not damage or deterioration.
| Weight | 0.045 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3 × 2.3 × 2 cm |
To assist customers in “stretching” to higher-value specimens, we are happy to work with you on payment plans for orders over £150 with terms starting from 2 months all the way to 12 months for larger purchases . Full payment must be made within the calendar year.
Payment plans are not applicable for items that are discounted or on sale.
1. A 25% NON-REFUNDABLE down payment is required to initiate the payment plan and reserve the item(s), due immediately upon receipt of the first invoice. This 25% will be of the total purchase price including shipping and taxes (if applicable). If you’d like to put down more than 25%, we can adjust the remaining payments accordingly.
2. The remaining 75% (or less, if more than 25% was paid initially) will be divided into monthly payments of equal amounts to be completed within the calendar year. The number of payments is subject to discussion with a member of staff who will work closely with clients to custom tailor payment plans.
3. Clients will receive an invoice to initiate payment – subsequent invoices will be emailed to you monthly. Cancellation or failure to pay invoices with a lapse of 10 days will result in cancellation of the payment plan and forfeiture of the item and 25% non-refundable deposit and admin fee. Any amount paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit would be refunded via the method of payment used.
4. There is no penalty for early payment. At any time, clients may reach out to a sales team member to pay the remaining balance in full.
5. Upon completion of the payment plan in full, the specimen(s) will be shipped to the client.
6. Items purchased via payment plan are subject to a no-refund policy. Items may be returned at the expense of the buyer for credit equal to the item price (minus taxes and shipping costs) to be applied to any other full price item in inventory. Unused credit will not be refunded in these cases.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to a member of the sales team
Fill out the form below to contact us with an offer for this piece.
Sign up to our mailing list for 10% of your first order
