Schiavinatoite

This rare earth Borate is the Niobium analogue of Behierite (which is listed further below). These are some remarkable examples of this incredibly rare species. There are very few rare earth Borates in the mineral world, and this is a great opportunity for rare species collectors to cross this one off their checklist.

Behierite

This rare earth Borate is the Tantalum analogue of Schiavinatoite (which is listed above). These are some remarkable examples of this incredibly rare species. There are very few rare earth Borates in the mineral world, and this is a great opportunity for rare species collectors to cross this one off their checklist.

Strüverite

This rare earth oxide appears not to be a valid species, but rather a variety of Rutile. It is closely related to Ilmenorutile, however the presence of Tantalum makes gives a very unique chemistry. The below specimen is a good example of this very rare mineral.

Rhodizite

Rhodizite is one of the more impressive rare minerals that has been found in Madagascar. It has been found in only three localities outside Madagascar: Ural Mountains of Russia at Schaitansk, in England, and in Wisconsin. Before the discovery of Rhodizite in Madagascar, the largest known crystals were found in Russia and they only measured up to 1 cm. The other two localities produced very little Rhodizite, and the crystals were very small. Rhodizite is a rare gem mineral and is highly sought after by gem and mineral collectors alike. It forms a series with the newly approved species Londonite with Rhodizite being the potassium end member.

Liddicoatite

Liddicoatite is a rare Tourmaline species named after the gemologist Richard Liddicoat, the president of the Gemological Institute of America. Recently, there has been a new influx of some great specimens from Madagascar. There are more localities for Liddicoatite in Madagascar than any other country worldwide. Many of you are probably familiar with the great multi-color polished slabs of Liddicoatite from Madagascar that show a wonderful array of patterns and color arrangements, but typically Liddicoatite is not often seen in euhedral well terminated crystals. These specimens are excellent crystals for collectors as they have excellent form, great luster and sharpness, and a beautiful pinkish-red hue along the edges.

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