Vote for your favorite mineral in #MinCup26! - Sphalerite vs. Anorthite Both zinc ore Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar Anorthite have perfect cleavage that will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
Originally discovered by F. J. Keeley and D. M. Stackhouse on the walls and roof of the #1 Tunnel, adjacent to the "fifty foot vein" about 2000' from the entrance. stalagtitic deposits, some with crystal faces at the terminations, and an almost waxy luster were observed. Aided by F. A. Genth, the new species was established. After returning to the collection site, all remaining deposits of "Lansfordite" were removed from the walls and ceiling. It was observed at the site that an alteration of the mineral seemed to have occurred. The the appearence was now chalky white, not waxy. upon testing it was found that the formula remained the same, however with much less water, and thus, another new species "Nesqueonite" was named. Several remaining specimens of "Lansfordite", were housed in the Harvard University collection and preserved in linseed oil and mine water and kerosene, in hopes of preserving it's original compsition. These were later x-ray tested and determined that they too had altered to Nesquehonite. To date [2005], there are no known specimens of Lansfordite remaining from this locality, and no new occurrence has been observed from there since the original find in 1887.
Habit:
Encrustations, stalagtitic with crystal faces at the terminations.
Colour:
White, with notable waxy luster, translucent to opaque.
