Axinite-(Fe) with Quartz

Item Description

This is arguably the best known locality for Axinite crystals in Pakistan. This piece was mined in 2016 and features many fine, gemmy, sharp, lustrous, well-formed, tabular, "wedge"-shaped crystals of clove purple colored Axinite-(Fe) associated with a few sharp, gemmy, colorless prismatic hexagonal Quartz crystals. 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 largest Axinite crystal on the specimen measures 3.4 cm at its longest direction, which is good sized for the material. The largest Quartz crystal measures 6.7 cm long. Despite a bit of damage, it's still a very eye-catching piece and a hard to find specimen especially from Pakistan. If the piece was completely damage free, I would value it around $2500 retail, but it's lower because of the contacts. Rarely are the Axinites from this locality found in larger specimens especially with the beautiful Quartz association.