The classic find for this species was here at the Xanda Mine in October of 1978, as detailed in Peter Bancroft's great book, Gem & Crystal Treasures. One pocket of these amazing lavender-colored herdertes was hit, just after a pocket of the blue topaz that made this mine even more famous. Many collectors still consider this find to be the most important find for this species, which is normally a brownish to gray mineral of lesser beauty. However, there are few complete crystals, and fewer still on the market today - coming up only as old collections are recycled. This crystal, complete all around, has the classic lavender color you would want in a Xanda herderite. Joe Budd Photos.