Miserite (very rare) (fluorescent)

Item Description

Miserite is a very rare potassium calcium yttrium rare earth silicate, only found in just over a dozen places in the world. It was named in honor of Hugh Miser a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Adamant collectors are always looking for specimens from the type locality in Arkansas, the North Wilson Pit. Here we have an attractive small cabinet specimen of this featuring soft purplish-pink Miserite which is associated with acicular grey-white crystals of Wollastonite and a slight amount of black Aegirine. At first glance, you might think this is massive material, but under magnification you can see that there are actual crystal faces (!) here and there, making it much more desirable than a simple "chunk" of Miserite. Lastly, this species is one of the more sought after fluorescent minerals from any US locality, as the Miserite displays a pleasing yellow hue under SW UV light and the Wollastonite fluoresces an orange hue under LW UV light. If you collect minerals from the type locality, fluorescent species or rarities, this piece fits ALL THREE categories.
From the collection of Colin Manlove.