Detailed information
Species
Mellite
Dimensions
17 x 13 x 10
mm
Locality
Artern Unstrut valley, Thuringia Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
Mellite is a very unusual organic compound, an aluminium benzene hexacarboxylate hydrate, formed as a secondary mineral in lignite (low grade coal) deposits. This deep golden-honey coloured octagonal crystal is from the Type Locality at Artern in the Unstrut Valley of Thuringia, Germany. The upper four faces are virtually complete whereas the opposite, lower four faces exhibit contact points making each face somewhat uneven. The specimen is mounted on a small, elegant, glazed white porcelain pedestal, attached by honey-coloured wax. Ex Huber collection.