Hydroxylherderite with Tourmaline

Item Description

Herderite (specifically Hydroxylherderite) is rarely seen from Pakistan. In the early 2000s there were discoveries of beautiful green crystals of Hydroxylherderite from several pegmatites localities in Pakistan. This piece stands out from all others I've seen for the simple fact that the actual hue of green is different from anything else I've seen from anywhere in Pakistan. The color of the crystals can best be described as a soft "sage" green or "pea" green hue which actually transitions into a virtually white hue on the edges. The gorgeous slick resinous luster only amplifies the quality of superb, sharp, blocky crystals which measure up to 2.8 cm. The back of the specimen features prismatic, striated crystals of Tourmaline and a bit of snowy white blocky Albite. At first, I thought the Tourmalines were black Schorl, but with strong backlighting, I can get a bit of a reddish-brown color to shine through in very thin areas, so I can't say for sure which species of Tourmaline this is. Please note, the front of the main Herderite crystal is not broken whatsoever, but rather grew against either the pocket wall, or another Herderite crystal. It is actually fully re-crystallized ("re-healed") and undamaged. The piece is nearly a complete "floater" as it is almost crystallized 100% of the way around, but there is contacted area on the base. It's still in fine condition, and displays beautifully as it sits on its own without the aid of a base or clay. A really cool and definitely unusual Herderite specimen that stands out as a one-of-a-kind example of this uncommon phosphate. Valued at $1,250 in the inventory.