Thenardite (fine crystals) (ex Bob Reynolds Collection)

Item Description

Thenardite is a relatively rare sodium sulfate that was named after the former Professor of Chemistry at University of Paris, Louis Jacques Thénard in 1826. Arguably the finest examples of the species are those from the Soda Lake locality in Plain, San Luis Obispo County, California. This specimen is a fine quality example of the material featuring a cluster of rather sharp, well-formed, "diamond"-shaped orthorhombic crystals of a dark grey color. The piece is essentially a complete "floater" as it's crystallized on all sides, and I can't find a point of attachment or any real damage to speak of. The largest individual crystal measures 3.8 cm. One of the better pieces of this material that we've had to offer. From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds who passed in August of 2020. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: Thenardite is a water soluble evaporate mineral and unless care is taken to keep this specimen in a cool dry place, it can end up as piles of white powder in your storage box! If you live in a humid environment, this specimen could easily disintegrate if proper precautions are not taken.