Muscovite (var: Sericite) pseudomorph after Andalusite (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

PLEASE NOTE: This specimen is labeled as coming from Quartz Creek in King County, Washington, but I cannot find a listing for this locality, nor can I find either Sericite or Andalusite reported from anywhere in King County. If anybody out there has some information as to the origin of this specimen, please let us know. With that said, this piece is a superb quality pseudomorph featuring light flaxen colored Sericite (a variety of Muscovite) which have completely replaced stout, prismatic crystals of preexisting Andalusite on oxidized matrix. The pseudomorphs are incredibly sharp, distinct and well-preserved, as they show every tiny detail of the original Andalusite crystals. It's a remarkable specimen, as I can't say that I've seen anything like it in terms of this specific replacement. The piece is in great condition overall, although the back of one of the bigger crystals is contacted on the reverse side (you can't see it from the display side). Valued at $1,000-$1,200 for the superior quality and rarity of the locality and the actual minerals forming the pseudomorph. From the noted pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.