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Bolivian Ludlamite

Ludlamite Crystals from Huanuni, Oruro, Bolivia


The primary crystal habit of the new Ludlamite crystals from Huanuni, Bolivia is the typical tabular monoclinic crystal parallel to the clinopinacoid b {010} face and elongated up to 1 on the orthopinacoid a {100}, as well as being widest at the center of {100} thus the classic coffin-shaped crystals with a discernible pearly luster on the b {010} face are nearly always observed. Some of the crystals exhibit a very small lustrous c {001} basal termination face, however most of the crystals have very oblique terminations which come to acute vertexes with absolutely no visible basal pinacoids. The crystal habits of these new Huanuni Ludlamites are quite identical to the now famous, contemporary, world-class Heulandite crystals from Jalgaon, India.

In addition to the textbook single crystals, Huanuni Ludlamites, which are translucent to totally transparent at the tips of the terminations and range in colour from a bright mint-green to an apple-green to a deep grass-green to a grayish-yellow color, also form somewhat unique and extremely attractive crystal sprays or fans made up of radiating crystals. Very rare and aesthetic bow ties, which not unexpectedly, are also quite identical to the rare Heulandite bow ties from Jalgaon. Over a century ago, on rare occasions, Ludlamite bow ties have formerly been recovered from the old type locality (1877) of Wheal Jane near Truro, Cornwall, England.

Although not the largest in the world, the Huanuni Ludlamite crystals are now certainly the most aesthetic and arguably the most crystallographically diverse Ludlamite specimens to be found anywhere to the present time.

The largest Ludlamite crystal extant is a 3 1/2 long, single prism of a fine mint-green color that was found in a single basketball-size vug at the San Antonio mine in the Santa Eulalia district, Chihuahua, Mexico on November 10, 1982. Unfortunately, this Ludlamite section of a spiral ramp construction hit a large watercourse which flooded this level of the mine shortly after the original Ludlamite discovery was made. This section was temporarily dewatered briefly, but no more Ludlamite was ever found.









No. Bltd 25 Lud
LUDLAMITE on Pyrite - $1250

This is, in my opinion, the single best "cabinet" size specimen in the lot. There are several, excellent, sharp, lustrous, deep-green crystal "sprays" of Ludlamite on this specimen with an association of Sphalerite and an unusual, modified rhombic crystal of yellowish Siderite on the reverse side of the specimen. This is a fantastic piece for any collector who is looking for a larger Bolivian Ludlamite.

Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia

Specimen Size: 8.5 x 8 x 3.5 cm. (Largest Crystal Group: 1.6 cm. across)

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No. Bltd 10 Lud
LUDLAMITE on Pyrite - $150

This is another unusual specimen from this find. It has an interestingly large, lustrous, green "spray" of Ludlamite on a matrix of Pyrite (some primary, some are pseudomorphs) with spherical Siderite crystals. It has great contrast, color and aesthetics.

Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia

Specimen Size: 6 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm. (Largest Crystal Group: 1.8 cm. across)

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No. Bltd 23 Lud
LUDLAMITE on Limonite with underlain Pyrite - $275

A "cabinet" specimen with some nice, sharp, gemmy, green Ludlamite "sprays". The display side of the specimen has only Limonite, but the reverse or non-display side shows that there are dozens of highly lustrous, sharp, Pyrite cubes.

Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia

Specimen Size: 12 x 7.3 x 4 cm. (Largest Crystal Group: 1.5 cm. across)

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No. Bltd 73 Lud
LUDLAMITE on Pyrite - $245

Sharp, lustrous, aesthetic, gemmy, green crystals of Ludlamite covering cubic Pyrite crystals. It is especially unique because of the "rabbit-ear" shaped crystals at the top of the specimen. This is an excellent piece with some really choice quality Ludlamites.

Locality: Huanuni mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia

Specimen Size: 3.5 x 2.3 x 2 cm. (Largest Crystal Group: 1 cm. across)

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