A lustrous, 3 x 3 x 2.5 cm miniature of samarskite crystals. The Spinelli quarry (or prospect) gained recognition from early geochronology studies of U, Th & Pb isotopes, which estimated the age of this pegmatite at 260+/-3 million years. Identity of this particular specimen was confirmed in 2004 by x-ray analysis at the University of New Orleans. Acquired 1982 through Ward's (Rochester, NY), ex Richard Schooner collection. 3.1 x 2.7 x 2.5 cm