Babingtonite from Geirangerfjellet, Norway – Black Crystals on Matrix

This small Babingtonite specimen from Geirangerfjellet in Norway features numerous lustrous black Babingtonite crystals on a light-colored matrix. Despite its compact size of only 2.1 cm, the mineralized front side is densely covered with black crystals that stand out clearly against the white to cream-colored accompanying minerals.

Several Babingtonite crystals show well-defined faces and project distinctly from the matrix. The larger crystals in the upper and central parts display a strong surface luster and give the small specimen a surprisingly three-dimensional appearance.

Lustrous black Babingtonite crystals

The front side is dominated by numerous black Babingtonite crystals with a blocky to tabular appearance. Some crystals are partly intergrown, while others can clearly be recognized as separate crystal individuals.

The strong contrast between the dark crystals and the light-colored matrix makes the crystal forms easy to see despite the small size of the specimen. The slightly different viewing angles also show that the Babingtonite crystals are not lying flat on the surface, but form a three-dimensional mineralized zone.

Babingtonite from Geirangerfjellet in Norway

Geirangerfjellet in Møre og Romsdal is a known locality for Babingtonite. Material from this area was historically described in part as Manganbabingtonite, while later analytical work assigned corresponding specimens to Babingtonite.

This mineralogical history adds further interest to material from Geirangerfjellet. In addition to its locality significance, this specimen is attractive because of its dense coverage of black crystals and the pronounced contrast with the light-colored matrix.

With dimensions of 2.1 × 1.0 × 0.8 cm and a weight of 2.2 g, this is a Thumbnail specimen. The numerous visible crystals make it particularly interesting for collectors of Norwegian minerals and classic Scandinavian localities.