Petalite (superb, large sharp crystal) (185.19 grams)

Item Description

Petalite is one of those species that I would consider to be rare in terms of good crystallized specimens. This lithium silicate is often found mostly in massive form or very crude crystals. In the last 20+ years, the famed pegmatite locality at Paprok has produced some superb examples of minerals like Tourmaline and Beryl, but the occasional Petalite will show up from time to time. These crystals are regarded among the finest examples of the species ever found. This particular specimen is not only a fine crystallized example of Petalite, but it's also a full 10.0 cm(!), which is notably large for the species. The crystal is thick, sharp and well-formed with a pale golden hue and good internal gemminess to boot! I wouldn't say the crystal is water clear, but it's VERY gemmy throughout the majority of the prism. The sides of the crystal have the typical graceful hydrothermal etching that we're used to seeing in the species, but the value in this piece lies in the fact that there are broad, smooth, defined crystals faces on the front that really take the piece to another level. There is a little bit of roughness along the termination, but it's important to remember that Petalite crystals are virtually impossible to find this size with such excellent crystals faces, let alone a gemmy crystal like this! If you collect gem crystals, minerals of Afghanistan or worldwide pegmatite species, this is a superb and significant example of a mineral for which most collectors do not have a good representation in their collections. Valued at $3,500 in the inventory for its impressive size and quality. Specimen weight is 185.19 grams.