MD-61046
Apophyllite-(Kf), Stilbite
Nasik District, Maharashtra, India
Cabinet, 13.0 x 8.2 x 6.2 cm
SOLD

In this basaltic vug are some of the deepest, emerald green, gemmy, fluorapophyllite crystals, exhibiting great luster, I have yet seen from India. These crystals which get lighter in color near their basal pinacoidal terminations, reach 6 cm in length. Associated with the emerald green fluorapophyllite crystals are several doubly terminated, white, stilbite crystals, to almost 5 cm across, which exhibit an incredible pearly luster. I am constantly amazed at the volume and quality of minerals still produced by India. However, within that volume, some finds just stand out as unique and collectible at a level far above the crowd. Material from this pocket, more of which will come below, exemplifies the idea that cherrypicking a large contemporary production from a locality can give you a unique collection that really stands out from the crowd, if you pick the novel pieces rather than just more of the same. This piece REALLY fits that bill, as being special. It is somewhat better in person, I think, as the darkness in the interior diminishes the photo. 13 x 8.2 x 6.2 cm