Ferro-Pargasite (rare amphibole)

Item Description

Ferro-pargasite is a rare amphibole species, and fine crystals of this size and quality are virtually impossible to find for sale these days. The specimens from the Basha Valley in Pakistan are to the best of my knowledge, the best examples of the species ever found. Amphibole group species are very rare from this Shigar Valley area locale, especially because they were collected nearly 20 years ago. This piece is an excellent, sharp, lustrous, doubly-terminated crystal with "wet" luster and defined prism striations with a jet-black hue. The main termination is in very good shape, and while there is a termination on the other side, it's not complete. Additionally, there are some areas of roughness on the prism, but I feel that this is forgivable considering the size and overall impressive quality of the piece. A great rarity that would be very difficult to replace in today's market.