Fluorapatite (excellent color and quality) with Muscovite on Albite

Item Description

At first glance, I honestly thought this was a Euclase, based upon the rich blue color and the pseudo-monoclinic form of the main crystal. I truly wasn't disappointed when I realized it was in fact a Fluorapatite with an intense blue color, darker than most I've seen from Brazil, but not so dark that it looks "black". The crystals are actually gemmy in areas, and their impressive reflective luster and eye-catching striations make for a genuinely captivating viewing experience. I can't find any damage of note on the front/display side, which is honestly quite impressive as you rare seen full cabinet sized Apatites from any Brazilian locality without at least a little damage. This is honestly one of my favorite Apatites I've ever seen from Brazil and I can't recall another quite like it. If you collect phosphates, Apatites, pegmatite minerals or specimens from Brazil, this is truly a special piece and would make a stellar addition to your collection. Valued $10,000
From the collection of Jack Halpern No. 2381 . Jack was born May 18, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, but has been a long-time resident of San Francisco. He assembled one of the great mineral collections in the world encompassing over 3,200 specimens with a specific emphasis on color, quality, and style/aesthetics, which is evident in every piece. He admired specimens of all sizes from thumbnails to large cabinets and the vast majority of them rank from fine to world-class in their quality.
Above all else, Jack is considered to be the greatest gentleman in the modern era of mineral collecting. He is beloved by all those who have met him, and he truly is one of the most iconic figures in the mineral world. We recently acquired Jack's collection, and the VAST majority of these pieces will be offered here in the auctions, as we feel that everyone deserves and equal opportunity at acquiring these important, well-documented and fine quality pieces for their collections. We are honored to have the opportunity to offer Jack's treasures to everyone on a regular basis in the auctions.
We encourage you to read our blog post at https://www.irocks.com/the-jack-halpern-collection or his profile on the Mineralogical Record website https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/halpernjack/ for more information