BGB20-30
Brazilianite on Quartz with Albite (illustrated)
Telirio Claim, Linopolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Cabinet, 12.7 x 5.3 x 3.6 cm
Ex. Bruno and Rolando Gioia
SOLD

A large, lustrous, super transparent Quartz "spire" provides the ideal pairing as host for a large, yellow-green Brazilianite crystal from the pegmatites of Linopolis. What a contrast! The Quartz crystal is very unique in its geometry and form in that it resembles a rising, crystal-clear, almost pagoda-like tower with some amazing subtle complexities - several sides showing stacked crystals and others showing sharp, linear furrows of horizontal striations. All of these strange faces exhibit a remarkable glassy luster. The top third of the crystal has a drapery of complex, bright, snow-white Albite crystals that are both included in the Quartz and then also laced on the surface of the steeple. There are actually two Brazilianite crystals at the base of the Quartz crystal with the prominent one (4 cm in length) displaying a characteristic yellow-green color; and it is translucent to transparent along the edges. It grows partially into the side of the Quartz and has minor Albite in association on either side of it. There is another 3.5 cm Brazilianite to the rear of this one that is mostly complete but somewhat obscured by surficial Albite crystal growth. The larger Brazilianite is mostly complete and has a negative impression of a Brazilianite that must have been growing with it in the pocket, so what you see is the "dance" of mineralogy as the two species somehow crystallized together and intertwined. It tells a story of how these things form in nature! Viewing this piece in one orientation without the Brazilianites showing it looks like nothing so much as a Quartz stunning icicle! A very aesthetic and unusual piece, totally unique in our experience! Illustrated in a full page photo, Mineral Collections of Brazil, 2020, page 119.