Nepheline (fluorescent) w/ Sodalite (rare) Paolo Matioli Coll.

Item Description

This less well-known farm in Bahia State is one of the sources of the famous "Blue Bahia" dimension stone from about a 1 km2 sodalite syenite intrusion (MINDAT). It is some of the most desirable and expensive dimension stone on the planet and is also popular as lapidary material. Nepheline is listed by MINDAT for the locale, but specimens rich in the species are very uncommon. Matte rich violet sodalite covers both sides of the sculptural large specimen, that has a thick vein of massive nepheline in the core. Globules of an unknown translucent gray to tan mineral richly cover the piece and add much pizzazz to the piece. The specimen appears to have been etched out of the enclosing matrix. The nepheline fluoresces dull pink to white. Ex Paoli Matioli Collection. RARE combination material from the locale.