Muscovite on Albite ex. Lauf Coll.

Item Description

A stunning large Muscovite specimen of a quality for collectors is simply uncommon among so many that come out damaged and brutalized by the mining process, all the more so because generally the miners are looking for the fancy gem crystals and ignoring the special rock-forming mineral examples like micas and amphiboles they encounter by chance, in the search for the colorful glory of tourmalines. This is a spectacular large specimen, however, with mica crystals you can really say are beautiful. They are to 3.5 inches across, three-dimensional, and nearly pristine (just some very minor rubs here or there). The plate itself is aesthetic and sized in proportion to the crystals. Valued at $4000-5000, this specimen is from the author's own collection (acquired 2007) and is a cover of the important reference series mineral monograph books, Collector's Guide to the Mica 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.