Dragon Minerals - Discounted Minerals

Borax - Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄·8H₂O is the dominant species mined at the U. S. Borax Open Pit. However borax easily suffers chemical alteration, resulting in replacement by the new species while the borax crystal shape is preserved (i.e., pseudomorphed). Dehydration to tincalconite - Na₂(B₄O₇)·5H₂O is common (and is the general fate of borax specimens unless very carefully preserved). Much less commonly seen is alternation to fibrous, silky ulexite - NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆]·5H₂O. This is due, in part, to the nonphotogenic nature of these pseudomorphs; their homeliness caused them to be often overlooked in the massive dumps. This example is prettier and more distinctly shaped than most, as well as being on the large size. Nothing I would consider to be damage. A superb example for the collector of borates, of pseudomorphs, or of California minerals. The pit's dumps have been closed to collecting for years now, so finding quality specimens from this locality is becoming increasingly more difficult.