Gorgeyite (rare sulfate) (fine quality) (ex Bill and Carol Smith Collection)

Item Description

Gorgeyite is a rare sulfate species that is only found in about a dozen localities around the world. Without question, the finest and most well-known examples of the species are those from the Inder Salt Dome in Kazakhstan. This specimen is a fantastic example of the material for the simple fact that it is a group of multiple crystals! Most specimens I've seen from this locality are single crystals off matrix, but this one not only features many crystals, but also is fairly aesthetic to boot. Several sharp, lustrous, tabular, soft golden colored crystals of Gorgeyite measuring up to 2.5 cm can be seen on all sides of the specimen. Some of the crystals are actually fairly gemmy when backlit. Nearly every crystal is in good condition, with only minimal roughness to be seen. From the collection of Bill and Carol Smith of Broomfield, Colorado (specimen #2081). According to the label accompanying the piece, the small yellow crystals on the specimen are Hydroboracite, while there are some unidentified colorless crystals on the piece as well. The label also states that this piece was brought back to the United States by collecting legend Dave Wilber! A really fine quality and incredibly hard to find specimen of this rare species that dates back 25 years. Valued at $950 in the inventory.