Apophyllite on Quartz

Item Description

A striking 360-degree combination from the well-known Fengjiashan Mine, noted for outstanding inesite, hubeite (Type Locality) and calcite specimens. At least 19 sharp, tabular apophyllite crystals are dramatically perched and intergrown on the termination and sides of the large glassy, transparent to translucent quartz crystal. The pristine glassy apophyllites, to 3.3 cm, are translucent to transparent, have satin luster faces and interestingly, have both beveled and flat termination edges. Preferential coating of brown iron oxides on both the apophyllites and quartz crystal color and much character. An outstanding and sculptural combination example of the species and locale. These were amazing new finds in around 2003, and highly desired by collectors at the time and featured in numerous publications of the early 2000s such as the Mineralogical Record, Fine Minerals of China (Liu) and others. We (Rob) have been down this mine and seen the empty pocket these came from, to the side of a massive pure wollastonite seam around the 200 meter level of depth. This particular style was never found again in such quality, and they remain highly rare treasures of early exports from this working silicon mine.