TUC12-35
Rutile on Rutile Ps. After Hematite
Ambositra, Antananarivo Prov., Madagascar
Cabinet, 11.0 x 9.0 x 2.2 cm
SOLD
I was shown a small lot from this apparently recent find, at the Tucson 2012 show, in which two large examples stood out dramatically from the others. This was the largest specimen in good condition, and it shows well the hematite crystal habit of the original crystal, which has since been replaced by a solid meshwork lattice of needle-like, glittering, rutile crystallization. Atop this replaced hematite, which now glistens with deep red, needle-like rutile, another generation of larger and more glassy, lustrous rutile crystals was later deposited. These crystals, to 5 cm, are entirely different in form. Overall a really interesting piece with complex symmetry contrasts, and unlike any rutile example I have seen before.