Beryl with Lepidolite

Item Description

An interesting and unusual specimen from the Ipê Mine in Brazil featuring a crystal of nearly colorless (very pale blue) Beryl which is coated by gemmy purple groups of "Lepidolite" Mica. Now it should be noted that "Lepidolite" is no longer a valid species, but since the material cannot be accurately labeled, as there is still discussion as to its classifications, for the purposes of this listing, we are leaving it a Lepidolite. I would like to point out that it appears the back of the specimen has been sawn for some reason, so the Beryl crystal is not actually tabular as it might appear. An odd piece for sure, unlike anything I've seen from this locality.
From the collection of Chester ("Chet") S. Lemanski Jr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey (https://www.mindat.org/user-461.html). Collection #20445CL. Chet was born 1947 in started collecting minerals circa 1957. He worked briefly as a drill runner at the famous Sterling Mine, in Ogdensburg, New Jersey and from 1987 to 1990 he helped convert the mine into a public access mining museum. He has held the role of treasurer, vice president and president of the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society (FOMS), and has been a board member and vice president of the Franklin Mineral Museum. The rare copper arsenate, Lemanskiite was named in his honor in 1999.