Baratovite (extremely rare) (fluorescent)

Item Description

Baratovite is an extremely rare potassium calcium titanium zirconium lithium silicate mineral, named after Rauf Baratovich Baratov (1921-2013) a petrologist who worked for Institute of Geology in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Mindat.org lists only THREE localities in the world where the species has been reported, and one of them is questionable, so it's possible this mineral has only been found in TWO places on Earth. This specimen is from the type locality, the Dara-i-Pioz Alkaline Massif in Tajikistan. This piece hosts a very good sized platy crystal of soft pinkish colored Baratovite, with a slick pearlescent/resinous luster, sitting atop matrix. Smaller blades of Baratovite can be seen on the several spots on the piece, but it's the big crystal (which measures 4.5 cm long) that really makes this piece significant. The Baratovites show a strong blue fluorescence under SW UV light. It's almost impossible to find pieces with crystals this size on the market, and if you collect rarities, this is something you're not likely to see in this size or quality again anytime soon. The piece comes with a label from the Fersman Museum. Valued $1,500 for size, quality and great rarity.