FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Peter Megaw]

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...

[Roger Warin]

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.

[Jordi Fabre]

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?

[alfredo]

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