Calcite pseudomorph after Ilvaite (incredibly rare) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

An impressive and incredibly hard to find pseudomorph from Dalnegorsk. This locality has been known for decades for producing superb display specimen of many species, but this piece is much more specialized and unique. I honestly don't know if I've seen another one like it. This miniature features a 3.7 cm long pseudomorph of greyish Calcite that has completely replaced a well-formed orthorhombic prism of preexisting Ilvaite associated with thin white Quartz crystals and a sparkling druse of golden metallic Pyrite cubes. I love how well-preserved the "chisel"-shaped termination of the Ilvaite crystal is on this piece, but my favorite aspect is the small Quartz prism that is actually piercing through the pseudomorph itself! Although Calcite is not a rare mineral, it's not common to see Calcite pseudomorphing Ilvaite like this, and if you collect rare pseudomorphs or minerals from Dalnegorsk, do NOT miss out on this one, as you may never see another like it. From the noted pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.