Ludlockite (type specimen)

TSNB809
Specimen
Earth Science ImportsKey, C.L.Smith, F.L.
Exhibit 1. Ludlockite (type specimen); 85 mm.
Exhibit 1. Ludlockite (type specimen); 85 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
Exhibit 2. 35 mm field of view.
Exhibit 2. 35 mm field of view.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
Exhibit 3. Specimen label (NHM London).
Exhibit 3. Specimen label (NHM London).
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
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Specimen Title

Ludlockite (type specimen)

Associated Minerals

quartz; siderite

Principal Mineral

Ludlockite

Size

Cabinet; 85mm

Location in the Mine

Second oxidation zone

Provenance

Earth Science Imports (C.L. Key & F.L. Smith)

Collection

NHM London; BM.1969,215

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB809

Associated Minerals

quartz; siderite

Description

The type specimen for ludlockite, donated to the Natural History Museum in London as an unknown mineral by Frederick Ludlow Smith and Charles Locke Key for whom the new mineral species was subsequently named (with reference to their middle names; Embrey et al. 1977c).

The specimen comprises tufts of fibrous orange-bronze ludlockite crystals (to 25 mm; Exhibit 2) associated with zinc-bearing siderite and quartz in a shallow vug in partly oxidised sulphide ore. It is believed to be the largest and richest specimen known for this extremely rare species. The accompanying label (Exhibit 3) indicates that it was obtained by exchange with Earth Science Imports (Key’s and Smith’s trading company) in October 1969.