Magnesionigerite-6N6S (?) on Spinel (ex Matioli Collection)

Item Description

This piece came to us labeled as Magnesionigerite-6N6S, but there is not database that mentions this very rare species occurring anywhere in Luc Yen. With that said, the piece featuring sharp, well-formed, octahedral, purple-blue colored crystals of Spinel (the label mentions that this is Cobalt-bearing Spinel, but I don't know if this is accurate) which play host to brown crystals of what are supposed to be Magnesionigerite-6N6S. The piece has not been analyzed to confirm its identity, but it does come from the collection of noted species collector Paolo Matioli of Brazil, who specialized in rarities around the world. The Spinel crystals have a lightly colored overgrowth giving them an almost dusty or smoky appearance, but you can see attractive purple-blue coloring upon close inspection.