MRZ289
Villiaumite
Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Small Cabinet, 6.6 x 5.8 x 4.5 cm
Ex. Martin Zinn
SOLD
An outstanding large specimen from this important locality, featuring seemingly terminated villiaumite crystals in a cluster. However, I was wrong in my judgement of this and have lowered the price accordingly, actually well below what I paid for the specimen which seems to have fooled others before me. Marty's label notes the presence of Fersmanite which may be here, as well. Although beautiful and seemingly cubic, most specimens of villiaumite of any size are simply cleavage fragments, as a a customer pointed out to me:s for the Villiaumites, it is a common misconception that the "monoblock cleavages" from Kola show true crystal faces. They DO NOT.They are in essence parts of single crystals, but come from large "nests" og Villiaumite frozen in the pegmatite without open cavities. The Villaumite was formed very late in the development of the pegmatite often followed by Nahcolite and other alkaline carbonates. There are no good crystal faces on the boundaries between the Villiaumite and the later formed minerals. These facts do not reduce the aesthetics and the value of the Villiaumite specimens. But when novice collectors investing in expensive specimens learn about the true nature (cleavages) they may cause grievances to dealers who have passsed them off as beeing "true" crystals..