Bastnasite-(Ce)

Item Description

The famous Trimouns Quarry in France was probably the best known locality for Bastnasite-(Ce) in the world until Zagi Mountain came along. These fairly new specimens have simply redefined the species for size and quality of crystals. This thumbnail specimen features a gemmy, rich honey-orange color hexagonal crystal of Bastnasite-(Ce) with sharp faces and good luster. The crystal is contacted on the back and the side, but is a good sized crystal for the species. It seems as though this locality has produced less and less of these outstanding specimens over the last few years, and if you don't have one in your collection, just keep in mind that these crystals are superb for what they are. Also, it is difficult to obtain colorful gemmy crystals of any rare species - as many of them are opaque - without color or too small to see with the naked eye.