Aragonite (rare purple color - twinned crystal)

Item Description

The classic Aragonite specimen from La Pesquera are some of the most distinctive examples of the species extant. The combination of the eye-catching purple color with the beautiful twinned pseudo-hexagonal form make for some really interesting specimens. This piece is from a recent find at La Pesquera and is essentially a thin sliced "cross section" of a prismatic crystal group (twinned crystal group) of Aragonite with wonderful purple exteriors which grade into a straw yellow coloration in the center. The piece appears to have been cleaned with acid as it has a slightly "waxy" exterior luster which is unusual for the material. Nonetheless, the color, luster and gemminess make it very appealing for such a common species. From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds who passed in August of 2020. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011. For reference, the old label (dating back 60 years ago) accompanying this piece has an antique price of $9.00!