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UNDER CONSTRUCTION as of 3.31.2005 |  |
The Golden Horn Batholith is a highly evolved alkaline (Sodium rich) granite that contains a high concentration of REE (rare earth elements) and other incompatible elements (such as zirconium). During fractional crystallization of an evolving magma, the residual liquid became increasingly enriched in these incompatible elements as phases that were crystallizing rejected them from their structutre. Late stage volatile rich fluids carrying this highly fractionated chemistry precipitated a suite of rare minerals in miarolitic cavities within the alkaline granite. The Golden Horn Batholith is the type locality for two of these rare mineral species, zektzerite, NaLiZrSi6O15, and the REE mineral, okanoganite- (Na,Ca)3(Y,Ce)12Si6B2O27F14. Over 50 mineral species have been identified at this locality.
Liberty Bell Mountain free face and associated talus slopes are good collecting areas for rare species.
Miarolitc cavity within the alkali granite of the Golden Horn Batholith.
