Datolite included with Hedenbergite with Ilvaite

Item Description

A choice example of the beautiful Datolites from Dalnegorsk, but this one has the distinction of featuring an unusual soft mossy green color due to inclusions of Hedenbergite inside the Datolites. The specific designation of the 1st Sovetskii Mine is important as Datolites were not commonly seen from this specific locality in my experience. The piece is a showy and fine quality small cabinet display specimen hosting several razor-sharp, very well-formed somewhat tabular / thick bladed crystals of Datolite measuring up to 3.3 cm across, which are associated with beautifully contrasting black prismatic Ilvaite crystals. The piece is in great condition overall and displays quite well as you can see. A highly desirable specimen for any fan of worldwide Datolites or minerals of Dalnegorsk.
This specimen is pictured in the Mineralogical Record Vol. 26, No. 6, Pg. 579 (1995), and the winner of this auction will receive Bob's personal copy of that issue of the magazine. Valued $3,000 for superior quality, size and the fairly rare locality for Datolite.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf, the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. Robert Lauf grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.