Anatase

specimen number:
9302294

location:
Hardangervidda, Hordaland, Norway

description:

A superb Norwegian classic, sharp lustrous deep blue double terminated crystal of anatase 1.6 cm in size on top of matrix. In great condition.

The Hardangervidda region, a vast mountain plateau spanning parts of Vestland, Buskerud, and Telemark counties in southwestern Norway, is a historic source of alpine-type mineral specimens, particularly anatase, quartz, and rutile. Geologically, the plateau represents a deeply eroded remnant of the Baltic Shield, consisting of a Precambrian basement of granites and gneisses overlain by Cambro-Silurian sedimentary rocks that were heavily deformed during the Caledonian Orogeny. Hydrothermal activity during this tectonic event formed low-temperature, open alpine fissures within the metamorphic quartzites and phyllites, allowing crystals to grow unhindered from mineral-rich fluids. While the harsh arctic environment prevented large-scale commercial metal mining or industrial quarrying, local residents and field collectors have conducted small-scale, seasonal specimen mining across various localities, such as Matskorhae, since the mid-nineteenth century. Organized exploration and hand-mining for collector-quality specimens peaked during the latter half of the twentieth century, and limited, seasonal surface gathering by private collectors continues under strict environmental regulations into the twenty-first century.

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