Calcite pseudomorph after Glauberite ("floater rosette" group) (ex Richard A. Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

These Glauberite pseudomorph specimens are not really seen on the market these days, but they are unique in the mineral world to the best of my knowledge. I don't know another locality where Calcite has pseudomorphed Glauberite quite like this. It is important to note that these specimens were the subject of some controversy several years ago. According to a post on mindat.org by Rock Currier "In an effort to increase the sale of these items, the are sometimes soaked in a solution of copper sulfate or other chemicals to give them color and enhance their sails {sales} appeal to tourists". Some people were trying to pass off the dyed specimens as authentic, but we don't have to worry about it with this specimen because it still retains its original beautiful porcelain white color. Dozens of very sharp, well-formed, large, distinct tabular crystals of Glauberite have been pseudomorphed by a deposition of Calcite giving us this complete "floater rosette" specimen. I can see a few minor chips, but it's in really good shape all around. The largest individual crystal measures 5.3 cm across, which is noteworthy for the material. If you collect pseudomorphs, Arizona minerals or just mineral oddities, this is a striking and excellent quality example of this beautiful material. From the collection of Richard A. Kosnar, the namesake for the rare phosphate Kosnarite. Priced in the inventory at $1,000.