Pargasite (great old classic) (ex Francesco Bedogne Collection)

Item Description

A rarely seen and fine quality crystallized specimen of classic black Pargasite crystals on matrix from the type locality which dates back to 1817 according to the literature. This locality on the extreme southwest coast of Findland is not known for prodcuing superb examples of Pargasite, but this piece may very well be the finest example of the material that we've had to offer. Most of the Pargasites that I've seen from this locality feature somewhat granular / distorted / incomplete crystals, and if you're lucky enough to find them on matrix, there are usually only two or three of them. THIS piece is not only a noteworthy matrix specimen, but it's loaded with crystals. It would be a significant specimen based upon the richness of Pargasite, but some of the crystals are superb textbook examples of the species from Pargas! Now the largest crystals measure up to 2.6 cm, which is very good sized for the material, but it's actually in some of the smaller crystals that the true value lies in my mind. There are several crystals on the piece that show textbook compressed prismatic form with incredibly smooth well-formed faces and a fine vitreous luster. One does not encounter pieces like this from the type locality. A very worthwhile addition to any European mineral suite, or a collection of finely crystallized Amphiboles. Valued at $2000-$2500 for crystal quality and the richness of the piece. From the worldwide collection of famed Italian mineral collector, field collector and author, Francesco Bedogne of Sondrio, Italy (Collection #667 - acquired in 1984 according to the back of the label). Bedogne wrote dozens of articles and several books about the mineralogy of Italian Alpine localities such as Val Bregaglia, Val Masino, Val Codera, Val Spluga, Valtellina and the famous Val Malenco. He was also the founder of the Valtellinese Mineralogical Institute.