Fluorapophyllite-(K) with Stilbite (rare BRAZILIAN locality)

Item Description

Don't be fooled, this is not an Indian specimen, but rather a much RARER display piece from Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil (possibly from the Das Antas Tunnel in Veranópolis). The piece shows an obvious resemblance to its Indian counterparts, as the crystals have a distinct green hue, rarely seen in Apophyllite crystals outside of India. I presume that the green color is due to the presence of vanadium like the pieces from the Deccan Trap, though I don't know this for certain. This dramatically showy and fine quality near LARGE CABINET sized display specimen features many lustrous, translucent, thick, tabular crystals of Fluorapophyllite-(K) measuring up to 3.2 cm on edge, sitting on a layer of pearly, beige Stilbite crystals on basalt matrix. The Apophyllites show distinct color zoning, as the central portions of the crystals are green, but the outer edges are virtually colorless/white. The piece sits wonderfully on its own without the aid of a base or clay, allowing the largest crystals to flare out of the top left corner. Fine quality all around, I really can't find any damage of note on the front display side, save the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Certainly one of the best pieces of this material that we've ever had in the auctions. Valued $3,000-$4,000.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector.