Neptunite, Joaquinite, Benitoite & Natrolite

Item Description

An imposing and classic, LARGE CABINET, combination plate from the famous Dallas Gem Mine. The sculptural snow field of natrolite hosts a striking cluster of sharp, lustrous, jet-black, neptunite crystals to 2.7 cm. They are nice and this is worth $200-400 for that alone. Scattered about are extremely large crystals, to 3 mm, of the ultra rare cerium silicate, joaquinite, for which the Dallas Gem Mine is the Type Locality. A textbook, 2.0 cm, partially gemmy, indigo-blue, benitoite crystal is also present. This crystal is contacted, but has no damage, per se. Very fine and large, older combination material from this famed and now extinct locale, with very large joaquinite crystals that to me comprise the bulk of the additional value beyond the more pedestrian local species. Good joaquinites are HARD to come by!