Danburite included with Magnesioriebeckite (''floater'' crystal)

Item Description

These are some of the most distinctive examples of Danburite you'll find. They have an odd blue-grey hue, which is due to inclusions of the rare amphibole, Magnesioriebeckite (for which Alto Chapare is the type locality). These crystals are often loose "floaters", which have "popped" out of the crumbly dolomite-smectite matrix. This piece is a fine example of said material, featuring a doubly-terminated, very sharp, highly lustrous prismatic crystal. One of the corners has some interrupted growth, but it's crystallized at the micro level, so it's not broken. A beautiful representation of these unique Danburites. An interesting historical note about this locality: Supposedly the mineral was first discovered in the tomb of a cacique (a native chief) where they had been placed as jewels to signify his wealth. The actual find of these crystals in the ground was made near there.
Formerly in the collection of William ("Bill") Pinch (August 15, 1940 - April 1, 2017) of Rochester, New York. Bill was one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished mineral collectors / amateur mineralogist of the 20th century, and he was the namesake for the rare mercury oxyhalide species, Pinchite. The prestigious Pinch medal, which is typically awarded at the Tucson Gem And Mineral Show by the Mineralogical Association of Canada is also named in his honor. You can read his bio at the following link ( http://www.williampinch.com/about ).