Columbite-(Fe)

Item Description

Well-crystallized Columbites from Virginia are scarce to say the least. This is one of only a handful that I've seen, and honestly may be the best single crystal of Ferrocolumbite that I've offered from this locality. The given locality on the label is the Morefield Mine, and it matches another smaller single that I have seen in habit, so I believe it's genuine. The crystal is well-formed in the front with sharp, lustrous, broad, smooth black faces. The termination is in pretty good shape on the front as well. The back of the crystal is admitedly contacted, but to me, the size and quality on the front is enough to forgive the incompleteness of the reverse side of the crystal. The dealer label that accompanies the piece valued it at $395 with the contact, so you know it's not just an ordinary "black rock", it's a worthwhile thumbnail of an uncommon mineral from Virginia.