Gunterblassite

specimen number:
2133265

location:
Rother Kopf, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

description:
Rich crystallized brown platy gunterblassite in an open pocket within matrix. Very choice for this rare mineral.

Gunterblassite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral that belongs to the gyrolite group, with a complex chemical composition containing potassium, calcium, barium, iron, and magnesium. Geologically, it was first identified at the Mount Reidenberg quarry near Volkesfeld in the Eifel volcanic field of Germany, where it occurs within cavities of basaltic and tephritic rocks. It typically forms as very thin, colorless to brownish, micaceous plates or foliated aggregates that exhibit a pearly to vitreous luster. The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association in 2011 and named to honor the German mineral collector Gunter Blass for his extensive work on the mineralogy of the Eifel region. Due to its occurrence in specialized volcanic environments and its delicate crystal habit, gunterblassite is a highly sought-after species for collectors of rare minerals and those interested in the unique silicate chemistry of alkaline volcanic deposits.

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