Babingtonite on Calcite and Prehnite (classic USA locale)

Item Description

The Lane & Sons Traprock quarries are one of the most venerable localities in New England, and the association of Babingtonite with Prehnite is famous in the region, and beyond. These used to be best of species, back in the early days of mineralogy (and still are among best of USA). This attractive and classic small cabinet specimen is exceedingly rich in Babingtonite compared to most specimens, and the jet-black, lustrous crystals reach up to 1.5 cm. There is some mint-green Prehnite in association, but the other dominant species is the Calcite, which along with the Babingtonite, pretty much fills up both pockets. The Calcite also fluoresces a nice, rich orange color. The Lane & Son traprock quarries are certainly among the most famous Babingtonite localities in the United States. These Westfield Babingtonites were the world's finest, and highly prized, until the recent Chinese finds. This particular piece is one of the finest Babingtonites I have seen from Massachusetts because it iis so beautifully arranged on sparkling calcites, in a pocket of matrix! From the Val Collins collection. Valued ???