Detailed information
Species
Lefontite
Dimensions
46 x 40 x 28
mm
Weight
22 g
Locality
João Teodoro claim Linópolis, Divino das Laranjeiras Minas Gerais, Brazil
Condition
No recorded repairs
Lefontite is a quite new species - an iron aluminium beryllium phosphate hydroxide related to Childrenite and Eosphorite - approved by the International Mineralogical Association in 2014. This miniature specimen from the Type Locality at João Teodoro claim, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is quite exceptional. Comprising a solid aggregate of orange-brown bladed Lefontite crystals which form a divergent spray, the individual crystals reach a staggering 4 cm in length. This is remarkable for a new mineral species, when most new discoveries are microscopic. Some of the crystal terminations appear to be broken, but for sheer scale, these crystals are up there with the best of species.