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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To order this specimen click
here
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