Beryllonite on Albite

Item Description

Beryllonite is a rare sodium beryllium phosphate species, and until specimens were discovered in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 1990s, there were few fine quality specimens on the market. Without questions, the Afghani/Pakistani pieces are the best examples of the species ever found, and they are even more enticing because crystals are sometimes found on matrix. This is a showy and fine quality display specimen featuring a thick tabular group of soft white Beryllonite measuring 1.7 cm, sitting on chalky white Albite matrix. The deep striations along with the alternating areas of white and somewhat colorless hues in the center of the crystal group really creates a pleasing effect. No damage and BETTER IN PERSON, it's really hard to show the quality of the piece because it's a white mineral on white matrix, but it's really good for what it is. I expect the value of these pieces will only increase in the years to come as these are among the finest Beryllonites in the world, and very little has been found in years. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#25 AP), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms. Valued $2,000.