Babingtonite with Epidote on Feldspar from the Bråstad Mines, Norway

This attractive miniature specimen shows numerous lustrous babingtonite crystals on a pale feldspar matrix, accompanied by green epidote. The black crystals are well formed and create a clear contrast with the white to light-gray matrix.

The even distribution of the crystals gives the specimen a balanced overall appearance. The combination of black babingtonite, green epidote, and pale feldspar makes the piece a characteristic example of the mineralization of the Arendal area.

Classic Babingtonite Locality near Arendal

The Bråstad Mines are located in the Arendal area of Agder, Norway. The historic iron mines belong to the Bråstad-Omholt mining field and are known for various skarn minerals. Babingtonite is specifically documented from the Bråstad Mines.

The Arendal area has particular mineralogical and historical significance because babingtonite was first described from material originating in this region. The mineral occurs there together with feldspar, epidote, quartz, calcite, and other skarn minerals.

With dimensions of 4.5 × 4.3 × 3.0 cm and a weight of 55.7 g, this is a compact miniature specimen. The lustrous babingtonite crystals, measuring up to approximately 4 mm, form a contrasting crystal covering on the pale matrix.