Muscovite on Schorl with Hyalite Opal (ex Shields Flynn Collection)

Item Description

This is one of the most distinctive, unusual and eye-catching non-Aquamarine specimens I've seen from Erongo. This piece features a handful of fairly thick, stout, semi-metallic hexagonal groups of Muscovite Mica measuring up to 2.7 cm across which are aesthetically set atop lustrous jet-black Schorl prisms and partially coated by "Hyalite" Opal (now called Opal-AN). The piece sits on its own without the aid of a base or clay and looks gorgeous from several angles. You don't think of Mica as the main focal point of most specimens, but these Muscovites are sitting so beautifully atop the Schorl crystals, they're much more than an accessory species. Interestingly, there is a smaller Schorl crystal on the side of the piece which is completely hollow inside and actually hosts a few tiny Muscovite crystals and some white Opal as well. You can see a brilliant green fluorescence under SW UV light on the Opals on this piece, which is common for the material. Very little damage, though I can see a couple of "rough" spots here and there. The composition, balance and overall three-dimensional appeal of the piece makes it stand out in a market where there are many of these pieces available right now. HARD TO PHOTOGRAPH, better in person! Priced at $800. From the Collection of Shields Flynn.