Fluorapatite (GEMMY ''phantom'' crystals) on Quartz (classic material)

Item Description

A classic association specimen from Panasqueira, Portugal, one of the of great classic European localities for Fluorapatite. This small cabinet specimen features many sharp, lustrous, VERY gemmy, prismatic hexagonal crystals of green Fluorapatite measuring up to 1.0 cm, sitting on a highly transparent, colorless prismatic Quartz crystal. When viewed down the "c" axis with backlighting, the Apatites show unique internal "phantom" zoning with a darker "core" towards the centers of the crystals. Most of the Apatites are in great condition, with very little damage, but there are some visible nicks, so it's not completely pristine. The quality and visceral appeal of the Apatites is quite alluring for the species and the locality, and this is older material dating back to the 1960s-1970s era of mining at Panasqueira. Valued $1,800.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#42 PO), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the coming months and years through our various platforms.