Okenite and Gyrolite, with Laumontite, on Quartz

Item Description

Uncommon and terrific, this large Okenite and Gyrolite combination geode is from the Malad Quarry in the Mumbai area. Intergrown and isolated Okenite puffballs, up to an astounding 4 cm across, are composed of beautiful, off-white needles. All these aesthetically sit within and on the Quartz-lined walls of this sculptural, very deep vug. One cannot help but notice how these unusual and attractive Okenites resemble the famous and oft-seen photomicrographs of pollen, with their spikey surfaces. The Okenite is complemented by pearlescent, straw-yellow Gyrolite balls and tiny, snow-white blades of Laumontite. This superlative cabinet specimen is from the extinct Malad Quarry within the basalt Deccan Traps of India, one of the most extensive igneous features on Earth. Sadly, this locality is now permanently closed due to the soaring population of Mumbai. Formerly in the extensive collection of W & A Cook. We only see these out of old collections, now. One of the most fascinating of all Indian zeolites, sadly they just are not on the market anymore and unlike most other species from here, get more rare every year. An excellent example, valued $2500