Axinite-(Fe)

Item Description

A predominant, fine, gemmy, sharp, lustrous, well-formed, tabular, "wedge"-shaped crystal of clove purple colored Axinite-(Fe) aesthetically sit atop of a mound of thick tabular blocky Albite. A few incomplete accessory crystals of Axinite can be seen around the piece, but it's the main crystal that really attracts the eye. From an "Alpine-type" "kleft" deposit in the high mountains of Pakistan, very similar to the better known "Alpine-type" Axinites from Russia, or true Alpine Axinites from Europe. The main crystal Axinite on the specimen measures 4.2 cm at its longest direction, which is considerably large for the material. The crystal is in superb condition, save a contact on the back that is not really visible on the display side. If the piece was completely damage free, I would value it around $2500-$3000 retail, but it's lower because of the contact. Rarely are the Axinites from this locality found with such attractive free-standing isolated crystals on matrix like this one!