Chernykhite (exceptionally rare)

Item Description

This mineral is only found in two places in the world. One of which is the Shenhe Mine in China, and the other is the type locality, the Balasauskandyk V Deposit in Kazakhstan. This piece fortunately is from the type locality, which dates back to a discovery from 1998 which was reported in the Canadian Mineralogist (Vol 36, pgs 905-912). The piece consists of dark blackish-green, foliated, semi-metallic crystals of this extremely rare mica species on host rock matrix. Mica may be common around the world, but this particular species of mica is about as rare as it gets, and if you collect rarities, species from the former Soviet Union, or simply pieces from the type locality, then don't miss out on this wonderful and eye-catching example. We have photographed the piece with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. This is the only piece of this species that we've seen of this material and comes with a classic label from Josef Vajdak / Pequa Rare Minerals, which immediately increases the value. You can read Joe's biography here: http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=1371 Do not miss out on this one if you collect rare minerals!