Ephesite (rare Mica species) (ex Charlie Key Collection)

Item Description

Here we have a superb quality, incredibly hard to find specimen of Ephesite (a rare Mica species), from the most famous locality for the material. These crystals not only have a fantastic pinkish-red color, but it's the sheer intensity that really stands out here, as one never sees crystals of Mica that GLOW like these crystals do. Most Ephesite crystals you'll find are more of a pink hue, but these are notably RED, making them all the more desirable. This small cabinet specimen is from a find in the early 1980's and features sharp, lustrous, translucent groups of Ephesite measuring up to 6 mm across with what I'm told is Mn-bearing Diaspore. There are a few rough spots, so the piece is not 100% pristine, but these piece are impossible to find on the market, and the color is as strong as N'Chwaning Rhodochrosite, which is completely unheard of in Mica. Priced in the inventory at $2,600. From the collection of collection of Charles (Charlie) Locke Key. Charlie is arguably the most successful dealer of the second half of the 20th century, along with being the namesake for TWO mineral species (Keyite and Ludlockite).