Bismuth (synthetic)

Item Description

When it comes to synthetic/lab-grown minerals, I think most people are familiar with these classic Bismuth specimens. They have become staples in rock shops over the years, but you can also find them in collections all over the world. They are instantly recognizable with highly characteristic exaggerated skeletal/"hoppered" cubic form along with the iridescent coloring. For reference, the various colors the result of differences in the thickness of the layer of oxidations that takes places on the surface of the crystals. These variations create multiple light wavelengths bouncing off of each other, causing the rainbow-like effect. The hollow shape of the crystals is due to rapid accelerations on the exterior edges, so the outside grows faster than the interior, creating these iconic forms. This piece is a classic example featuring a predominant crystal group measuring 5.1 cm on edge, sitting on a base smaller "hoppered" Bismuth crystals. The piece sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay, and like many of these specimens , it looks like it was created by M. C. Escher!
From the synthetic mineral suite of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#13762). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.