Analcime

specimen number:
2102151

location:
Junnila Property, San Benito Co., California, USA

description:
Neat locality example for the species with quite large lustrous and translucent crystals of analcime measuring to almost 3.5 cm in size across the top of matrix. In good condition. A previous label comes with the specimen noting that this was collected by Scott Klein in June, 1998.

The Junnila property, often spelled Junnila and located near Santa Rita Peak in the New Idria district of San Benito County, California, is a significant mineral locality within the Diablo Range. Geologically, it is situated in a highly complex tectonic zone where Cretaceous-aged serpentinite bodies of the New Idria diapir have intruded into the surrounding Franciscan Complex melange. The mineralization at the Junnila claim occurs within altered blueschist blocks and natrolite veins, similar to the nearby and world-famous Benitoite Gem Mine. Historically, the site has been active sporadically since the early 20th century, following the initial 1907 discovery of benitoite in the region, with various claims being worked for both gemstones and mineral specimens throughout the 1900s. The property is specifically noted for its distinct mineral assemblage, which includes sharp, black neptunite crystals and rare barium silicates such as benitoite and fresnoite, often embedded in a white natrolite matrix. While less productive than the main Benitoite Gem Mine in terms of large gemstones, the Junnila property is highly regarded by collectors for its high-quality demantoid garnet and unique micromount specimens that provide critical insight into the rare-earth geochemistry of the San Benito mountains.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.