Hydroxylherderite (classic 1968 find)

Item Description

This is a classic, well-terminated light lavender-colored hydroxylherderite from the famous late 1960s find at the Xanda Mine, as documented in Bancroft's renowned book Gem & Crystal Treasures. The specimen features very sharp, glassy, gemmy to translucent crystals, with only a limited number—likely fewer than 100—ever found in that discovery. The crystal is unusually gemmy and clean, with a slightly etched termination that adds a unique texture. The "crazing" internally under teh lustrous skin is typical of such herderites, as is the color and an incipient twin plane on one face - all typical of this one famous pocket found together with the famous blue topaz.  This is an excellent and highly aesthetic example of the species from a significant and historical find. Such crystals should be valued highly compared to modern examples from other locations, perhaps $1000-1500. ex Chris Wright old dealer stock to Ex Mary Perry, then to Jingnan (Tom) Zhang.