Ankerite - image 1
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Ankerite - image 4

Ankerite

$2,000.00

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Any fine specimen of beauty from the Simplon tunnel is a treasure that we are lucky was saved during construction of the famous tunnel project. This is a particularly fine miniature of an unusual species from the tunnel digs and is rarely seen for sale. The full miniature specimen is a complete floater of saddle-shaped, curvaceous ankerite (ankerite and dolomite are closely related minerals in the dolomite group, only with slightly different iron and magnesium content) crystals perched on a bit of matrix. It is a gorgeous miniature, no matter where it is from — but more so from here. The labels note that Joe Polityka bought it from dealer Herb Obodda at the 2011 Franklin show. Herb was known for handling such European rarities. A previous label from Excalibur Mineral Corp (Tony Nikischer) states that it was found specifically at KM marker 9369, and Joe's note on the back states that this technically puts it on the Italian side of the underground border (apparently after researching).

Product details

SpeciesAnkerite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.2 x 3.1 x 2.6 cm
Listed on10/23/2024
SKUSM23-120
Current owner
3,389 for sale·Member since 2026

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Ankerite
Mineral guide
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Ankerite
Regional guide
Ankerite from Simplon Railway Tunnel
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Locality guide
Simplon Railway Tunnel
Simplon Railway Tunnel, Switzerland - Alpine locality famed for pale lilac anhydrite crystals on dolomite, a rare closed occurrence prized by collectors.