Bentorite (RARE - Type Locality in Israel) w/ Larnite (rare)

Item Description

Bentorite is an ultra-rare hydrated sulfate with chromium as the chromophore and this Formation is the Type Locality. The thumbnail sliver is essentially solid thistle-colored bentorite. The two green veinlets are larnite, a very rare Olivine Group species. Larnite is high temperature and inverts to its low temperature polymorph, calcio-olivine, below 520 degrees C when shocked (MINDAT). The Hatrurim Formation is largely composed of an unusual rock type, a type of natural portland cement formed by high-temperature alteration of late Cretaceous to lower Eocene bituminous chalk, marl and impure limestone (MINDAT). This is an EXTREMELY RICH and RARE combination of these rarities. Ex Matioli Collection. Value??