Artinite
specimen number:
2102294
location:
San Benito Co., California, USA
description: The San Benito County artinite localities, most notably the San Benito Mountain area and various small prospects within the New Idria District, are situated in one of the most geologically unique serpentinite massifs in California. Geologically, these deposits are part of a massive body of altered ultramafic rock where magnesium-rich hydrothermal fluids interacted with fractured serpentinite to precipitate secondary carbonate minerals in veins and vugs. Artinite occurs here as delicate, snow-white, acicular (needle-like) crystals that typically form radiating spherical sprays or "puffs" on a dark serpentinite or chromite matrix. Historically, while the district was primarily exploited for mercury at the New Idria Mine and for asbestos through large-scale open-pit quarrying by companies like KCAC from the early 20th century through 2002, artinite was often a byproduct of these operations or found in smaller, dedicated mineral prospects. Significant collecting and small-scale mining for specimens occurred sporadically from the 1950s through the late 20th century as the area became world-renowned for its rare magnesium carbonates. Although industrial quarrying for asbestos has largely ceased due to environmental regulations, the region remains a classic locality for mineralogists studying the complex secondary mineralization of the California Coast Ranges.
Very choice radiating groupings of artinite crystals to 3.0 cm in diameter across the top of matrix. Some contacting present, this still very good for the species.
Questions about this specimen?
Send an email
or call us: 314-341-1811.