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Bismutoferrite from China...Caveat Emptor
  
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Peter Megaw
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PostPosted: May 31, 2015 15:58    Post subject: Bismutoferrite from China...Caveat Emptor  

At last week's 3rd China (Hunan) Gem and Mineral Show there was a large exhibit area of exceptional pieces from all over China and the rest of the world. Two of the exhibits featured dramatic pieces of purported "bismutoferrite" Fe Bi (SiO4) (OH), reportedly from the Dongxiang Mine, Jiangxi, China. Images of other pieces of the material were included in some of the show-related advertising.

The material consists of shocks of remarkably uniform hair-like steely whiskers to 40 cm in length emerging from matrix. The whiskers appear to have an orthogonal or at least polygonal cross-section. (Notably, none look anything like any image of bismutoferrite I can find and nothing like a usual oxide mineral). The largest and most dramatic specimen showed a large area of matrix which appears glossy with bubbly zones...strongly resembling slag.

The material reportedly fetches high prices and in light of the nature of the matrix I believe these need close examination to determine whether or not they are natural. My initial feel (seconded by others) is that this is a smelter product of some kind, but it would be shame to see them defamed if they are natural.

Am very interested to know if other FMF members have had a chance to examine this material and are willing to forward an opinion.

Meanwhile here are some images...



Bismuthoferrite specimen 1.jpg
 Mineral: "bismutoferrite"
 Description:
Dongxiang
20 cm tall
Specimen #1...no matrix visible
 Viewed:  13288 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite specimen 1.jpg



Bismuthoferrite specimen 2.jpg
 Mineral: "bismutoferrite"
 Description:
Dongxiang
35 cm tall
This monster was getting a lot of attention by the public. Some of us paid more attention to the matrix...see close ups
 Viewed:  13296 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite specimen 2.jpg



Bismuthoferrite label and matrix 1.jpg
 Description:
Label and partial view of matrix. Note drip-like bubble on the underside of the left side of the matrix and glossy area above
 Viewed:  13277 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite label and matrix 1.jpg



Bismuthoferrite (15) matrix 2.jpg
 Description:
Dongxiang
FOV 15 cm
Close up of matrix..note bubbly texture to right and glossy area to left
 Viewed:  13240 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite (15) matrix 2.jpg



Bismuthoferrite matrix 3.jpg
 Description:
Dongxiang
FOV 15 cm
another view of right side of matrix with glossy, smooth and micro-bubbly surface
 Viewed:  13275 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite matrix 3.jpg



Bismuthoferrite matrix4.jpg
 Description:
Dongxiang
FOV 12 cm
close up of matrix...note spiral line of bubbles in matrix on lower right protruberance...and overall smooth nature of matrix
 Viewed:  13271 Time(s)

Bismuthoferrite matrix4.jpg



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Roger Warin




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PostPosted: May 31, 2015 16:33    Post subject: Re: Bismutoferrite from China...Caveat Emptor  

I agree. That reminds me Pele's Hair, volcanic glass fibers from Lava Lake of Erta Ale, Ethiopa's "Smoking Mountain".
Strange chemical formula !
Roger.
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Jordi Fabre
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PostPosted: May 31, 2015 16:36    Post subject: Re: Bismutoferrite from China...Caveat Emptor  

I'm sure is anthropogenic Peter. A good analysis will prove it easily.

Here you have some other good examples of "Chinese crafts":
Fake coppers from China
Enhanced Chinese Green Quartz
What is it?
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alfredo
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PostPosted: May 31, 2015 18:56    Post subject: Re: Bismutoferrite from China...Caveat Emptor  

Those are not the chinese characters for bismutoferrite anyway, rather some other kind of iron mineral, so the english name was just a mistranslation.
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