Ludwigite (old - rare - Type Locality)

Item Description

Mining in this district is among the few settlements in the world that supported almost continuous mining for some 4000 years (Wikipedia). Ludwigite is an uncommon anhydrous Mg-Fe borate found in contact metamorphic deposits as high-temperature phases and this is the Type Locality. Dense, parallel-growth, elongated prisms with waxy luster form this solid and excellent small cabinet example from this ancient locale. The old Italian collector label certainly dates to prior World War II and may date to the late 1800s. From an East Coast Collection. RARE and seldom on the market.