Fluorapatite with Muscovite on doubly-terminated Quartz

Item Description

A beautiful specimen from the older mining at Panasqueira from decades ago. This small cabinet sized specimen hosts several sharp, lustrous, soft silvery colored hexagonal crystals of Fluorapatite measuring 7 mm across, associated with pseudo-metallic bladed crystals of Muscovite sitting atop a doubly-terminated group of gemmy, colorless Quartz. Fluorapatite is probably the most well-known species from Panasqueira, as they are without question singular in their appearance, as there really isn't anywhere else where Apatite like this have been found. I can't find any major damage anywhere on this specimen, maybe a few superficial imperfections, but the piece is in prime condition all around. Additionally, if you look at the piece through the back, you'll see the Quartz crystal displays a notable internal "phantom", which is not commonly seen from Panasqueira. The Apatites show a light orange fluorescence under LW UV light as well. A showy, fine quality and just plain pretty display specimen of what are some of the most famous Apatites from anywhere. Priced at $1,500 in our inventory. From the collection of Richard ("Rich") A. Kosnar, famous Colorado dealer and mineral collector (1946-2007), and the namesake for the phosphate species Kosnarite. Rich had a love for European classics, and built a very nice suite of specimens from Panasqueira many years ago.