Brookite with Monazite-(Ce) (very rare combo)

Item Description

In the early 1990s, the classic Brookite specimens from the Dodo Mine in the Ural Mountains of Russia started making their way to the Western market. These are some of the most iconic examples of the species ever found, but they were short-lived, and virtually impossible to find for sale these days. This piece is a very rare association specimen featuring beautiful thin blades of Brookite with a burnt reddish hue and attractive black "phantoms" measuring up to 3 mm, which are associated with tiny rich orange colored crystals of Monazite-(Ce). The largest cluster of Monazite crystals measures about 2 mm across. Associated white Quartz can be seen on the piece as well. This is the first and ONLY specimen we've ever seen from this mine featuring Monazite-(Ce) with Brookite, and to the best of my recollection, I can't remember seeing these two minerals together on another specimen from any other world locality. A really cool combo that would make a great addition to any collection, especially if you focus on "Alpine-type" minerals or specimens from Russia, or even worldwide Brookites or Monazites. From the collection of Richard (Rich) Kosnar (1946-2007), the well-known mineral dealer and collector from Colorado. Rich loved Alpine and "Alpine-type" minerals, and obtained this piece from the collection of one of the most well-known Russian collectors of the 20th century, Vladimir Pelepenko.