Description
Origin: Blanchard Mountain, Bellingham, Washington, USA
Description: Lapidary stilpnomelane features a natural mix of dark black mineral patterning against pale grey, white, and muted greenish-grey host stone. The rough pieces show irregular broken edges, granular surfaces, and bold speckled to patchy contrast, giving the material a rugged Pacific Northwest look. Some areas appear darker and denser, while others show lighter quartz-rich or feldspathic-looking zones, making each piece visually varied for cutting, collecting, or lapidary experimentation.
Stilpnomelane is a complex iron-rich phyllosilicate mineral commonly associated with metamorphic rocks. Material from Blanchard Mountain reflects the region’s distinctive geological history, where low-grade metamorphism, iron-bearing minerals, and layered host rock help create dark, textured specimens with unique visual depth. As lapidary rough, it may be used for cutting, polishing, cabochon work, experimental lapidary projects, or kept as a raw mineral specimen.
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Chemical Composition: K(Fe2+,Mg)8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)27
Grade: Lapidary Grade
Appearance: Opaque
Inclusions: Very few cracks, no rind.
Approximate Size of 1 pc: 5.5cm x 5cm x 3cm
Approximate Weight of 1 pc: 110g
Rough is rough. We do our best to grade and describe pieces in the lot, but ultimately, they all differ.