Chondrodite with green Muscovite

Item Description

Well-formed, gemmy, deep-red crystals of Chondrodite richly infuse this large miniature from Afghanistan. A member of the Humite Group of silicates, Chondrodite is an uncommon accessory species from here, and there has been some discussion as to whether the crystals from this area (the same area where the famous lapis lazuli is mined, interestingly) might actually be hydroxylclinohumite. Nonetheless, the crystals are attractive, especially when backlit so that they glow that beautiful, deep red. Up to 8 mm in size, these are associated with well-formed, overlain crystals of greenish Muscovite, each about 5 mm across. Both are unusual in and of themselves, and together they make such an interesting pairing!