Leucophanite
specimen number:
1052673
location:
Langesundsfjorden, Norway
description: The Langesundsfjorden district in southern Norway is the world's most significant locality for Leucophanite, a rare sodium calcium beryllium silicate. Geologically, the area is situated within the Oslo Rift, specifically the Larvik plutonic complex, where alkaline pegmatite dikes intruded into Permian-age larvikite host rocks. Leucophane typically occurs as small, pale yellow to greenish-white tabular crystals or masses within these highly alkaline pegmatites, often found in association with aegirine, analcime, and catapleiite. Historically, mining and quarrying in the fjord began as early as the 17th century for timber and limestone, but mineralogical interest peaked in the late 19th century after the species was first described from the island of Lovo in 1840 by Esmark. Extensive specimen recovery took place during the 1880s and 1890s through the efforts of legendary mineralogists like W.C. Broegger, who documented the unique mineralogy of the dozens of small islands and coastal outcrops. While industrial-scale mining for feldspar and quartz occurred intermittently through the early to mid-20th century, the district has remained primarily a site for scientific research and specialized specimen collecting. Dr. Ludwig Eger (active c. 1870-1915) was a highly respected Austrian mineral dealer based in Vienna who played a significant role in the distribution of Central European and Alpine mineral specimens during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Operating under the firm name "Dr. L. Eger," his business was situated in the heart of Vienna, a primary hub for scientific exchange during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Eger was noted for his professional, academic approach to the mineral trade, often supplying high-quality, systematic collections to universities and major museums throughout Europe and North America. His labels are easily recognized by their classic 19th-century typography, typically featuring "Dr. L. Eger, Wien" (the German name for Vienna) and providing detailed locality and species data in a formal, structured format. In addition to minerals, Eger dealt in paleontological and zoological specimens, as was common for the natural history establishments of the time.
A sharp lustrous translucent yellow crystal 0.4 cm on edge set on matrix. Classic locality for the species. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. This label provides an original acquisition date in 1911. Quite choice for the species for this Norwegian classic.
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