Benitoite with Neptunite (ex Henry de Linde Collection)

Item Description

From the type locality for Benitoite (the state gem of California), here we have a wonderful miniature display specimen featuring an excellent, sharp, lustrous, well-formed, gemmy to translucent steel-blue colored crystal measuring 1.4 cm on edge with the classic association of deep reddish-black prisms of Neptunite sitting on a layer of massive white Natrolite on host rock matrix. Very little damage, only a few superficial marks on the lesser Neptunite crystals. A fantastic and showy combination specimen of this beloved material from one of the most iconic localities in the United States. Valued at $600-$800. From the collection of Henry de Linde (March 21, 1923 – April 4, 2019) of Hot Spring, Arkansas. Henry was one of the most prominent figures in the history of Arkansas mining and mineral collecting. Along with being a miner, mineral collector and an amateur mineralogist, de Linde was one of the founders of the Coon Creek Association mineral club. He was the owner of several key localities in Arkansas including the Diamond Jo Quarry (on the south rim of Magnet Cove), the type locality for Delindeite, which was named in his honor in 1987.