Monazite-Ce (color change "butterfly" twin) on Quartz

Item Description

Most of the Monazite crystals in the world are found in pegmatite environments, but in 2003 there was a discovery of some really fine quality and attractive Monazite-(Ce) specimens in the hydrothermal tin veins at the world famous Siglo XX Mine in Bolivia. Analysis has showed that this is quite chemically pure Monazite-(Ce) as there is an absolute absence of Thorium, a typical trace element in Monazite species. Here we have a wonderful miniature sized specimen which features a fine quality, well-crystallized, rare, very sharp, attractive, lustrous, translucent, doubly-terminated, "butterfly" twinned crystal of Monazite-Ce measuring 4 mm sitting on prismatic Quartz crystals on host rock matrix. One additional smaller Monazite can be see on the piece, but it's the main crystal that counts here. To top it off, the Monazite actually shows a color change with an eye-catching pinkish-orange hue in most lighting, but a distinct yellow hue can be seen in more blue fluorescent light. The colors seen is rare for any species of Monazite as they are often rather dark and opaque from most localities. The combination of the excellent twinned crystal and the beautiful color make this a VERY worthwhile rarity that would make a superb addition to any collection of rare minerals, Bolivian minerals or worldwide phosphates. This was a one-time find, and if you missed out on these when they first came out, now is great chance to pick up a good example of this attractive material from this world-famous mine.