Fluorapophyllite-(K) with Stilbite-(Ca)

Item Description

It's fair to say that zeolite species and other associated minerals from the large basalt flows in India are fairly common on the market these days, but I will say that they should still be appreciated for what they are. A good percentage of these pieces are without a doubt, some of the finest crystallized examples of their respective particular species extant. This piece features many sharp, lustrous, blocky crystals of glowing green Apophyllite measuring up to 2.0 cm on edge, associated with peach-beige colored, vitreous bladed groups of Stilbite-Ca measuring up to 2.7 cm, on matrix. A bit of roughness can be seen, but it's a beautiful and eye-catching large cabinet piece, and will probably end up being a great bargain for somebody. One day (eventually) India will not produce any more of these Zeolites, and they will more receive great recognition for being the amazing display specimens that they are.
From the collection of the recently deceased Alvaro Lucio, arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. Alvaro graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.