Legrandite (Nov 1977 Aztec Sun pocket)

Item Description

This small cabinet sized legrandite specimen with stunning intense color is from the single most famous pocket and style of the species, the November 1977 pocket that included the famous Aztec Sun Legrandite specimen (and as far as context: we have held that, sold it, and it now resides in the MIM Museum Beirut). This is a unique, immediately identifiable style of crystallography. The crystals are almost metallic - it is hard to find another word to describe the effect of such intense color and saturated color. The crystals are really a golden-yellow hue, and as you can see they densely cover a natural pedestal. The spray is 3.6 cm tall, and translucent to light because it has no matrix in back. So, the specimen, when set up in a case, literally GLOWS with color. If anything, these photos under-play the piece because they do not show it backlit strongly for the glow. It is one of the largest and most colorful examples of this species that most of us will ever see for sale in the future, as others are locked up in collections generally. Valued $10,000-plus. Donated to auction anonymously. Apparently it was in the same collection until recently, for over 40 years.

This specimen is part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, donated by The Arkenstone, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.