RARE16J-43
Monazite-(Ce)
Serra Espinhaca, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Miniature, 3.1 x 2.7 x 1.6 cm
SOLD
An exceptionally large, well-formed and beautiful twinned monazite crystal that is lustrous and complete all around, front and back. This crystal has sharp edges and a gemmy amber-brown streak running through it. Monazite-(Ce) is a REE phosphate and this piece exhibits textbook twinning on {100}. We've never seen an astounding crystal such as this! The crystal has not been analyzed but is probably monazite-(Ce). The piece comes with a custom base. Although the locality on the base label indicates Serra Espinhaca in Minas Gerais, Brazil, it is probably form the 1980's find of great floater crystals from the Joaqim Relicio mine at Buenopolis in Minas Gerais.