Fluorapatite with Arsenopyrite (classic material)

Item Description

The famous Panasqueira Mines in Portugal are among the most classic of European localities. Panasqueira has produced what are certainly some of the most distinctive and iconic examples of Fluorapatite in the world. These specimens are beloved by collectors for their unique form and easily recognizable colors. Here we have an impressive large cabinet display specimen loaded with dozens of sharp, lustrous, translucent, hexagonal crystals measuring up to 1.0 cm, with a gentle lilac-silvery hue. In sunlight, the Apatites show a slight more blue shade, so there is a slight color shift, which is fairly common for this material. The reverse side of the specimen is filled with incredibly sharp, well-formed, silvery metallic crystals of Arsenopyrite measuring up to 1.2 cm, and minor Muscovite can be seen in scattered areas. Only one of the Apatites shows any noteworthy damage, which is quite impressive for a piece this size, and there is some roughness along the peripheral edge where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Still a very attractive big display specimen of this classic material, and certainly desirable for any fan of worldwide Apatites or specimens from Panasqueira. Valued $2,500.