Chester Emery Mines, Hampden County, Massachusetts, USA

CaAl₂(Al₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH)₂

The Margarite in this specimen is composed of foliated, intergrown, lilac colored crystals. The matrix is a composition of green Actinolite schist and emery (a combination of possible Magnetite, Chlorite and Corrundum). The area was first developed as a source of iron in the late 1850s. Although refining the ore for iron proved unsucessful, in 1864 emery was discovered and in 1869 the Hampden Emery Co. was formed. The mines were run sporadically until 1913 when they closed down for good. Margarite was discovered at the location in 1864.

4.9 x 3.9 x 2.3 cm

Sold Specimen retained as part of the Minerals Sold But Not Forgotten Galleries