Group of three isometric crystals of Wadalite, on matrix, which have been replaced by Hydrogrossular–chlorite–carbonate while preserving the clean faces and edges of the original crystals, of light grayish-greenish tones. Wadalite is a rare calcium halogen-silicate with chlorine, belonging to the feldspathoid family, this uncommon mineral forms in skarn or hornfelsed limestone assemblages. Wadalite crystallizes under high-temperature conditions during contact metamorphism and calcosilicate metasomatism in chlorine-rich environments, where reactive magmatic fluids interact with carbonate rocks.
No less interesting is the provenance of this piece: The Vilyui River region, in central Yakutia, is known for its extensive alluvial deposits and periglacial formations. The area hosts important diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes and secondary mineral assemblages formed under extreme continental cold conditions.
Vilyui River Basin, Vilyuysky District, Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Russia
Specimen size: 7.0 × 5.0 × 4.8 cm = 2.76” × 1.97” × 1.89”
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