Bixbyite (fine classic material) (pictured in the Mineralogical Record)

Item Description

One of the signature mineral species ever to come from Utah is Bixbyite. It's tied deeply to the history of early mineralogical discoveries in the state, as it was named after Maynard Bixby, a miner, mineral dealer and author who was one of the prominent figures in the preliminary days of Utah minerals. He also happened to be the one that discovered the species. Without question, Bixbyite is at its best when it comes from Utah as these specimens feature classic large, black crystals that show beautiful modified/complex crystallization. This piece hosts a very sharp, highly lustrous, jet black colored modified cubic crystal of Bixbyite measuring 8 mm with classic thin triangular trapezohedral modifications on the corners aesthetically perched atop rhyolite matrix. The Bixbyite is complete all around, with no real damage I can see with the naked eye. A wonderful display specimen of this highly desirable, classic gorgeous material. This piece is from the collection of Chris and Agatha Galas, and was pictured on page 106 in the 2017 issue of the Mineralogical Record featuring Mineral Collections in California. PLEASE NOTE: The caption for this specimen was erroneously printed with the piece measuring 7.5 cm(!), but it's actually a thumbnail, and a darned good one at that.