SOLD
SM20-247
Quartz pseudo after Anhydrite with Hyalite Opal
Rumipata, Ichuña, General Sánchez Cerro Province, Moquegua, Peru
Cabinet, 11.0 x 7.1 x 5.7 cm
SOLD

Remarkable texture and composition in this Quartz pseudomorph after Anhydrite specimen from Peru! Tabular, prismatic, flattened rectangles of what were Anhydrite crystals are completely replaced by essentially clear Quartz and then glazed by a bumpy textured coating of Hyalite Opal that glows a moderately bright neon green under short wave UV. There is subtle but marked play of colors in some of these crystals from a pale turquoise blue in the central portions to a frosty white around the edges. Some of the little botryoids show this same effect from center to rim. A few crystals are broken cleanly and their rectangular cross-section reveals the replacement texture and the coating! They look like jumbled pieces of Trident gum that couldn't decide if they wanted to be spearmint or wintergreen... This piece is quite artistic with its varied textures, gradational color change and splendid composition. A fascinating piece in daylight and under UV!

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