Hauyne (classic material) (mined in 1936) (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

Hauyne (pronounced how-EEN) is part of the Sodalite Group (also considered a Feldspathoid - a mineral with too little silicate to form feldspars in igneous rocks) and one of the most beautiful blue colors you'll find in the mineral world. This piece is from what is one of the best localities for the species, the Laacher See Volcanic Complex in Germany. This small cabinet specimen features multiple spots of intense blue Hauyne measuring up to 3 mm across, which according to the label are sitting in Sanidinite (an archaic term for volcanic rock containing Sanidine) matrix. Most of the Hauynes are quite gemmy, and some show decent crystal form, though there are some contacted areas here and there. Best seen under magnification and just beautiful in person. One rarely gets a chance to pick up a good matrix piece of this classic old material from Germany. Valued at $500. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#4615) with a great old label from noted Denver dealer Mitch Gunnell who mentioned that it was acquired in 1936 by Dr. B. Dohm (original cost was 75¢ !). Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017).