Inyoite (superb crystal)

Item Description

Inyoite is a rare borate species, that is not often seen in fine display specimen, but some of, if not THE finest examples are those from the Monte Azul Borate Deposit in Argentina. This small cabinet piece is a superb, showy and aesthetic specimen featuring a very sharp, (monoclinic) crystal of gemmy Inyoite measuring 5.5 across, with a smaller secondary Inyoite crystal on matrix. The outer edges of the Inyoite crystals are included with rare Meyerhofferite, creating a wonderful effect, as the center of the main Inyoite is very gemmy, but shows a delicate white crystallized exterior. Excellent quality and aesthetics, and nearly impossible to find in today's market. From a discovery circa 2007, and never really seen again since. Valued at $2,000 retail.
From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011. I value this one in the $1,500-$1,800 range for its superb size and quality.