Mellite (rare) (ex Shields Flynn Collection)

Item Description

Mellite has an odd distinction in the mineral world, since it's classified as an organic mineral (Aluminum mellitate {benzene hexacarboxylate} hydrate), despite the fact that the definition of a mineral is an IN-organic compound, but I digress. Of the organic minerals, Mellite is arguably the most well-known, and specimens from the Csordakuti Mine in Hungary are the best around. This piece features classic bipyramidal tetragonal crystals of Mellite measuring up to 8 mm on matrix. They're sharp and lustrous with good crystal form. It also fluoresces a brilliant blue! This is a rare mineral, only found in about 12 places in the world, and this piece is a fine example from this historic locality. From the collection of Shields Flynn.