Anatase with Rutile on Smoky Quartz (rare matrix specimen) (ex Rolando Gioia Collection)

Item Description

An attractive small cabinet specimen that features crystals of Anatase which are epitaxially overgrown by small semi-metallic golden colored Rutile crystals and sitting on Smoky Quartz. The important aspect to this piece is the fact that the Anatase/Rutile crystals are sitting ON MATRIX. I've seen dozens of single loose floaters of Anatase and Rutile from this locality, but matrix pieces are exceedingly rare. The largest Anatase/Rutile crystal measures 4 mm long. These are classics, and to have two titanium oxides together on the same piece is pretty cool. From the collection of Rolando Gioia (a contributor to new definitive book on Brazilian minerals: "Minerais e Pedras Preciosas do Brasil").