Microcline var. Amazonite ex. Lauf Coll.

Item Description

A large specimen of intergrown, tightly clustered crystals of beautiful seafoam blue amazonite, to inches in length. This has remarkably good condition and no repairs or restorations, as is typical with modern material. it is an old specimen from the Pike's Peak area, collected probably in the 1950s-1960s. Formerly in the collection of Bob Holzer (1934-2009), whose label states that the piece was illustrated but we are not sure where (perhaps an old Rocks & Minerals issue).Valued at $2500-plus, this specimen is from the author's own collection (acquired 2009) and is a cover of the important reference series mineral monograph books, Collector's Guide to the Feldspar group, by Dr. Bob Lauf. Robert Lauf grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. This item comes with a copy of the corresponding book, as shown.