Ilvaite and Quartz on Hedenbergite

Item Description

Dalnegorsk ilvaites are arguably the worlds finest and this is a very fine combination example. A 3.0 cm, sharply terminated, jet-black, ilvaite crystal is the striking focal point. Nearby is an even longer 3.4 cm, doubly terminated crystal, along with smaller ilvaites scattered among the plethora of frosted quartz points. The matrix is lustrous, olive-green, acicular hedenbergite. In great shape overall, with just a bit of periphery wear and very few broken quartz points. The base has been sawed to enhance the display. Collected from the 1st Sovietskii Mine in 1985, according to the label. Most excellent combination material and seldom available in this quality today. Valued at $500-700.