Lepidolite w/ Elbaite & Microlite (Rebecca Sterbentz Coll.)

Item Description

A superb example of a common species, that we normally ignore! A dramatic large combination specimen from the famous pegmatites at Virgem da Lapa. A striking and very aesthetic array of large, pseudohexagonal, tabular lepidolite crystals nearly encrust a large bi-colored elbaite crystal. The colorful, translucent, "sandwich style" lepidolites, to 4.0 cm, have enchanting purple centers with lilac outer zones. Both ends of the elbaite are broken. A fine and uncommon accessory is the 6 mm, lustrous and translucent, straw-yellow microlite octahedron on the side of the piece. Microlite is an uncommon tantalum oxide and is a member of the Pyrochlore Group. Very fine, rare and showy large combination material from this noted locale from the Rebecca Sterbentz Collection. Comes with a custom-made and engraved lucite base valued at $175, for free. Valued at $2000.