Hydroxylapatite (ex Rolando Gioia Collection)

Item Description

Readers of the Mineralogical Record know that the great Sapo Mine in Brazil was profiled in the July/August 2009 issue. In 2004 some of the most unique and eye-catching specimens of Hydroxylapatite were discovered. These pieces featured flattened dipyramidal crystals with beautiful bicolor blue-green and yellow zoning. This particular specimen features a few attractive crystals of Hydroxylapatite measuring up to 2.4 cm across which are sitting atop a snow white mound of bladed Albite (var: Cleavelandite) with golden Muscovite blades. These specimens have virtually disappeared from the market, and the good ones are considered to be some of the best of the species ever found. Valued at $1,200. From the collection of Rolando Gioia (a contributor to new definitive book on Brazilian minerals: "Minerais e Pedras Preciosas do Brasil").