Afghanite (rare) (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

The rare alumosilicate species Afghanite is only found in about two dozen localities around the world. While most of those localities are in Italy, the type locality for the species just happens to be one of the most historic mines in the world. The first reported Afghanite crystals were found at the famous old Lapis-lazuli Mine at Ladjuar Medam, which some experts believed has been working since the 7th millennium BC! The majority of Afghanite crystals are fairly small, and the larger crystals are often rounded and dull. The crystal on this specimen is not only good sized for the species, but it's also sharp and well-formed The crystal is a medium blue hue with defined crystal faces and measures 1.1 cm long jutting out of massive white Calcite matrix. No damage, and the piece has excellent balance and displays well as you can see from the photos. A fantastic miniature display specimen of a species that is only found in good sized specimens from one part of the world. Valued at $950. From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collect who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).