Analcime with Rhodochrosite, Aegirine and Natrolite

Item Description

The prolific Poudrette Quarry (Demix Quarry) at Mont Saint-Hilaire has produced hundreds of mineral species, and many "best in the world" examples to boot. This specimen features a classic combination of sharp, well-formed trapezohedral white Analcime crystals measuring up to 7 mm across, which are associated with rich red color tabular crystals of Rhodochrosite, sitting atop narrow prismatic crystals of black Aegirine, sitting on off-white prismatic crystals of Natrolite. If you collect MSH material, this is a classic association specimen that would make a nice addition to your collection. This locality is now under new ownership, so collecting has been severely restricted, and specimens will not be as plentiful as they were in the past. From the collection of Charles ("Charlie") Locke Key , without question one of the greatest mineral dealers of his day, and arguably the greatest mineral dealer of the latter half of the 20th century. Charlie had no formal degree, nor did he advertise or really even set up at shows, but his knowledge, prowess and charm were legendary. He is one of the few people in history to have two mineral species named in his honor, Keyite and Ludlockite.