Ilvaite (fine crystal)

Item Description

The contemporary Ilvaite crystals from the Huanggang Fe-Sn deposit in Inner Mongolia are some of the finest examples of the species ever found. Not only are they large for the species, they are thick, while still being well-formed with excellent luster. The old classic Ilvaites from places like Elba Island in Italy or Serifos Island in Greece will always be beloved for their historic value, and even the newer Ilvaites from Dalnegorsk, Russia are some of the best Ilvaites out there, but the top Huanggang pieces are truly remarkable. This piece is a fine example of these wonderful crystals with euhedral faces and a nearly pristine termination (I can see ONE tiny nick up close), free of matrix. The lower portion of the crystal has a few separation marks where it was likely attached to other Ilvaite crystals when it was removed from the pocket. These pieces have subsequently dried up, and nothing has been found in years, so if you missed out on them circa 2010, this is a good chance to pick up a really nice example for your collection.