Fluorapatite, Chalcedony & Quartz

Item Description

An uncommon, sculptural and colorful matrix fluorapatite combination specimen from the famous Cerro de Mercado iron mine. Seven, gemmy and lustrous, classic yellow-green hexagonal fluorapatite crystals, to about 1.3 cm, are aesthetically set in the striking coral-like, 3-dimensional matrix of bubbly powder-blue to lavender to light brown chalcedony on drusy quartz. Matrix combinations of this quality and aesthetics are very uncommon as the hard matrix is mined with explosives to recover the ore. The sculptural quality, bright blues and striking neon-green SW UV fluorescence of the hyalite opal add much pizzazz to this very fine older piece from an East Coast collection. Probably from the 1950s to 70s.