Brookite ("phantom" crystal) on Quartz

Item Description

Brookite is a fairly well-known species, but when it comes to gemmy crystals there few localities (especially active ones) where fine specimens have been found. Over the years, some of the most recognized examples are those from the Italian Alps, but the crystals are often small (only a few mm). Starting in the early 2000s, there was a discovery of some truly impressive "Alpine-type" Brookites in the Baluchistan Province of Pakistan. These pieces are remarkably similar to the TRUE ALPINE Brookite specimens from Europe as they are equally sharp, lustrous, gemmy and filled with fiery red color. Keep in mind a lot of Brooite around the world is opaque and black, so to have crystals with color is not terribly common. Here we have a wonderful miniature specimen featuring a 1.5 cm "sword"-shaped bladed crystal of Brookite with a strong orange color around the periphery and a classic internal black "phantom". The crystal is sharp, well-formed and lustrous and sits beautifully atop GEM quality Quartz crystal matrix. No damage that I can see with the naked eye, and there is even a second smaller Brookite hiding out on the back of the piece. A great overall piece that presents the species in a color and quality that is hard to find in nature. Priced in the inventory at $850.