Pargasite (large rare locality specimen)

Item Description

This is the only crystal of Pargasite that we've ever had to offer from Myanmar, and it's an impressive, good-sized example to boot. Pargasite is an Amphibole species, typically seen in dark opaque crystals, so to find a piece this size with a lovely yellow color and good internal gemminess is a big deal. There are obvious clear sections in this crystal, which would be a big deal regardless of the locality, but the fact that it's from Pein-Pyit, in the Mogok Valley, makes it all the more desirable. Now the crystal is not undamaged, as neither end is terminated, but the well-defined, lustrous prism faces are in great condition. If you collect minerals of Myanmar, Amphibole minerals or unusual gem crystals, this is something that you're not likely to find anywhere else on the market, especially in such a sizable example. Specimen weight is 110.7 grams. Please note that there is virtually no mining taking place in Mogok. The effects of the pandemic and the civil war in Myanmar have brought all operations to a stop, and we're told that only a tiny amount of artisinal mining is taking place, so specimens like this are not likely to be found anytime soon.
The piece was mined in the early 2000s and came from the collection of Bill ("Burma Bill") Larson, who personally acquired it on one of his many trips to the area. Bill was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens and stones from Myanmar over many years. You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/