Albite (Cleavelandite / Perthite) (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

This piece is labeled as being both Cleavelandite and Perthite. This can be somewhat confusing as Cleavelandite is a specific variety of Albite, white Perthite is defined on mindat.org as "An intergrowth of albite or oligoclase with a microcline host, occasionally also with a orthoclase host. The intergrowths or exsolution lamellae of the albite are visible as white lines coursing through the K feldspar groundmass.". With that said, this piece features sharp, blocky, lustrous crystals, some of which are gemmy / translucent in areas and transition into a milky beige hue. You can clearly see the intergrowth / lamellae of the Feldspar, which is rarely seen from Pala in my experience. Small blades of Muscovite and a bit of gemmy Smoky Quartz can be seen on the piece as well. A great piece for any fan of Feldspars, or if you're a San Diego County completionist collector. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#183). Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017).