An Attractive Ugly...

Mineral Matters #472

Clay minerals are ugly. Aren’t they? What about micas? Can they also be ugly? Well, not always.

This specimen is a case in point.

The brown platy/scaly mineral is nontronite, a clay mineral. The bubbly green mineral around the lining of the vugh is celadonite, a mica that is usually waxy, dull or earthy.

I would argue that they are both quite aesthetic. What do you think?

A note on the locality. Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass located on the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It sits at an elevation of 3,309 meters (10,857 feet). The pass connects the San Luis Valley to southwest Colorado and is known for its steep grades and challenging driving conditions, especially in Winter. Sounds like a fun place to collect!

Below: Nontronite, celadonite, Wolf Creek Pass, Archuleta County, Colorado, USA. Width of view 6mm.