Erythrite on Heterogenite

Item Description

This stunning Erythrite specimen from Morocco shows a large divergent spray of deep magenta crystals set on a black, very contrasting matrix. This is from best of species finds in the 1980s. The big, spray consists of lustrous, sharp, prismatic crystals up to a huge 4 cm in length, splayed out nicely on the dark matrix. All of the intensely colored, translucent crystals are composed of tight, parallel bunches of thin, highly prismatic, sharply formed blades with excellent steep terminations. The luster is METALLIC, not just glassy! The piece has tremendous aesthetics and composition. We are interpreting the bubbly, microbotryoidal matrix here as Heterogenite, however, we have not analyzed it. This small cabinet specimen stands out from the majority of pieces from finds at the Aghbar Mine which is the only contemporary source for great examples of this species. The contrasting black matrix, Heterogenite or not, is also incredibly rare, not to mention attractive, for the locality! The spray is big, showy, and nicely set on this contrasting matrix in a manner which fully shows off the size and quality of the crystals, altogether really elevating this specimen to among the best of display examples for the species, overall, from the locality, in our opinion. That being said, these are measurably prettier and more displayable than previous finds of the species from Zimbabwe, Germany, and a few other localities. Thus, a high ranking for a Moroccan piece is actually a high ranking by any worldwide standard. Lastly, where else do you get 4 cm metallic maroon colored crystals, from anywhere? Taken together, we felt this was one of the more important specimens in the display portion of Dr. Erika Pohl's Morocco collection. Old Zimbabwean specimens sell for $5-10k and they are definitely not generally beautiful. Similar specimens from Germany, half the size, have already routinely sold for five figures; and lesser specimens from this mine as well. This is a chance to get something at the top of its game, rare, and beautiful - at auction.