Zirconolite var. Polymignite with Zircon from Håkestad Quarry, Norway

Mineralogically interesting small cabinet specimen with several black zirconolite crystals of the historical variety polymignite and a fragmentary brown zircon in a coarse-grained feldspar matrix. The specimen comes from the classic Håkestad Quarry in Norway.

Zirconolite var. Polymignite with Zircon from Norway

This mineralogically interesting small cabinet specimen displays several black to brownish-black crystal sections of zirconolite, historically known as polymignite, embedded in a coarse-grained feldspar matrix. Most of the crystals are partly enclosed by the matrix, but several are clearly visible on different sides of the specimen.

The elongated to tabular-prismatic black crystal sections are particularly noticeable. Their strong luster contrasts well with the lighter matrix minerals. Gray, white, and pale pink feldspar create an attractive variation in color and texture.

Fragmentary brown Zircon as an associated Mineral

A brown, vitreous zircon is also visible on one side of the specimen. The crystal is fragmentary and partly broken, so its original crystal form can only be inferred. Nevertheless, it adds mineralogical interest and documents the varied mineral assemblage of the pegmatite.

The main collecting interest lies in the rare zirconolite. The damaged zircon should be regarded as an interesting associated mineral rather than as a fully preserved display crystal.

Classic Håkestad Locality

Håkestad Quarry is a classic Norwegian locality for zirconolite and its historical variety name polymignite. Specimens from this locality are of particular interest to collectors of rare oxide minerals, Norwegian pegmatites, and systematic mineral collections.

The specimen measures 5.5 × 4.0 × 3.5 cm and weighs 51.1 g. Several visible zirconolite sections and the fragmentary zircon make it mineralogically interesting from multiple viewing angles.

A characteristic locality specimen from Håkestad Quarry for specialized mineral and locality collections.