floater, Wiluite (OLD! - RARE Vesuvianite species - Co-type Locality)

Item Description

OLD, rare wiluite from the Co-type Locality (both in the same area). Wiluite is an ultra rare vesuvianite species. The doubly terminated, sharp, blocky, highly lustrous, glassy, dark olive-green, tetragonal crystal is partially translucent. These crystals originally sold cheaply as vesuvianite, until they were determined to be a new species in 1997. Contacting on a couple of sides and a termination face and a bit of edge wear are noted, but have minimal impact to the excellent quality of this crystal. This is an excellent example of the rare species. The label lists an OLD 1959 date. From a Russian suite we purchased at Tucson about ten years ago, of historical specimens! We value it highly for age and quality. Similar have been seen at shows $1500-2000