Olmiite (fine quality) (ex Charlie Key Collection)

Item Description

A lovely, showy intergrown group of well-crystallized, HIGHLY lustrous, soft pinkish-orange Olmiite "balls"free of matrix. A very aesthetic small cabinet-sized specimen and very attractive up close. Nearly every sphere on the display side of the piece is undamaged and the largest "ball" measures 9 mm across. The back of the piece is actually pretty attractive as well, but the front / display side is incredibly nice. The piece actually sits up on its own without the aid of clay or a base, which is a real plus. I can't emphasize the high luster of the Olmiites, as they glisten in the light. This mineral is truly found in one part of the world in fine display specimens, and the color and form is so distinctive and unique that it really stands out as one of the most significant mineral discoveries in the last 20 years. Keep in mind that virtually all of these specimens were labeled as being Poldervaartite, which now is an exceptionally rare species, but they are indeed Olmiite. It also shows an attractive reddish-pink fluorescence under SW UV light. Valued at $1,500. Ex Charlie Key personal collection. Charlie is arguably the most sucessful dealer of the second half of the 20th century, along with being the namesake for TWO mineral species (Keyite and Ludlockite).