The freestanding neptunite crystal here is pristine, complete all around, and has excellent luster. It is just about 2 cm tall. Few neptunite crystals stand so nicely - most form lying upon the matrix and so it takes a trick of prepping the piece to make them look upright even when they are not. This one, it's legitimately sticking up into what was a pocket. The cluster of benitoite at its base is an unusual offset and complement to the stark black neptunite. The larger benitoite is also 2 cm in size, across. The benitoites are not gemmy all through, but they are translucent and have reasonably good color as well. Ex. F. John Barlow Collection.