RARE16G-70
Serpentine after Olivine (Chrysolite)
Snarum, Modum, Buskerud, Norway
Miniature, 4.3 x 2.8 x 1.7 cm
SOLD
A very old specimen of an olivine group mineral accompanied by a venerable German label. This large, well-formed yellow-green, prismatic crystal with complex forms is completely pseudomorphed by serpentine. Off-white to tan serpentine needles form a lacework at the base of the crystal and work their way up some of the prism faces. This piece is an absolute classic with the locality referenced in the older "Dana's System of Mineralogy" texts. The terminology and usage of "chrysolite" and "chrysolit" can be found in these, and other, older mineralogy texts. This piece probably dates from the late 18th to the very early 19th century. These large olivine crystals were once found in moderate abundance in the serpentine deposits at Snarum, Norway. A truly unique piece.