Fluorapatite (bi-color crystal)

Item Description

There are over 160 minerals reported from the famous Foote Mine in North Carolina, and a good number of them are phosphates. One of the most beautiful and well-known phosphate species from this locality are the beautiful purple Fluorapatite crystals. Fluorapatite is found in a wide range of colors from all over the world, but PURPLE crystals are the most desirable and sought after hue. This piece features a fine quality, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, 1.0 cm, tabular crystal of Fluorapatite showing distinct color zoning with a vibrant royal purple color in the center, sandwiched between greenish-golden hues on each side sitting on white bladed Albite on host rock matrix. The Apatite is undamaged and looks beautiful when backlit. A really fine quality, alluring and just plain pretty Fluorapatite from one of the most famous localities in North Carolina.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley