Monazite-(Ce) (ex. Jean Behier Coll.) - superb old crystal

Item Description

Monazite-(Ce) is a REE phosphate. This is an extremely sharp crystal from this classic Norway area. The lustrous, mottled-brown, tabular prismatic crystal has good luster and very sharply defined accentuated edges. Pearlescent muscovite/biotite is embedded on three sides. Complete all-around and in excellent shape for its age and size. The back edge of the termination is lightly brusied and a small ding is noted on one prism edge. This remains a very fine single older crystal from the Jean Behier collection out of France. Dr. Behier was a major exploration geologist specializing in Rare Earth deposits and had a fabulous collection of such old classics, in particular from Madagascar and then matching Old World suites of these species. This was sold and broken up in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Documented specimens from Rostadheia are rare. Outstanding material and comes with a copy of his label. We value it at $1500