Aragonite var: Flos Ferri

Item Description

Here we have a classic old-time piece of Flos Ferri, a variety of Aragonite that occurs in almost organic looking "finger"-like or "plant"-like formations, typically in a white or off-white color. I've seen some people describe the material as resembling coral When you hear the term "Flos Ferri", this is what people are talking about. The name translated from Latin means "flowers of iron", which is strange because Aragonite doesn't contain any iron, but I can't find a reason why it became associated with the species. This specimen is a classic example of a fine quality "cave Aragonite" from the Styrian Erzberg in the Austrian Alps featuring arborescent, branching, off white colored formations, sitting on matrix. The piece is in fine condition and displays beautifully. Hard to find in this size or quality from this locality on the market today.
From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974 ( https://www.mindat.org/photo-326405.html ). The piece also comes with a fantastic old label from D. D. I. Jos. F. Müllner, and Al's label dates the piece to 1966 (I don't know if this is when the piece was collected or acquired).