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Albite (var: "Cleavelandite") (rare BLUE color)
- Boulder Batholith, Jefferson County, Montana
- Thumbnail, 2.4 x 2.3 x 1.6 cm
- Start Time: 01/06/2011 6:45:00 pm (CST)
- End Time: 01/13/2011 6:45:00 pm (CST)
- Auction Closed
Item Description
Albite is found in a wide range of environments throughout the world, and typically the color is some shade of white or grey. These newly mined specimens from east of Butte, Montana are the ONLY blue pieces Albite (variety "Cleavelandite") that I have seen. The piece comprises sharp, lustrous, bladed, sky BLUE crystals forming a "snowball"-like aggregate. The form is reminiscent of classic Cleavelandites from a variety of pegmatites throughout the world, i.e., Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc., but the amazing blue color is completely unique. To the best of my knowledge, the cause of the blue color has not been completely identified. If you're a feldspar collector, a pegmatite species collector, a Montana collector, or are just interested in rare and unusual mineral specimens, do not let this one slip away, as it is the only one I have to offer. Incredibly rare for the species, and certainly eye-catching!