Apatite, Siderite in Muscovite (excellent) Schlichter Coll.

Item Description

A dramatic, sculptural and uncommon CABINET combination specimen from the famous Panasqueira Mine. The matrix of this impressive, two-sided, curved crust with holes is composed of a myriad of light brown siderite disks. Lustrous and translucent, sharply hexagonal, lightly grayish-green, apatite crystals to 1.0 cm are richly scattered on both sides of the piece. A rich cluster of pearlescent, muscovite plates is concentrated along one edge and near the center of the curved crust (itself a cast?). The Schlichter label says zinnwaldite, a lithium-rich mica group varietal, but we believe this to be muscovite. Good muscovite specimens are uncommon from Panasqueira. This is a large striking combination specimen from this noted locale. Valued at $400-500.