Phenakite (from the 1800's) (ex Kay Robertson and John Caswell Collection)

Item Description

From the type locality for Phenakite, here we hae a wonderful old time toenail of these immensely classic and highly sought after specimens from Russia. These specimens are incredibly rare on the market, and most collectors don't have in their collections as they came out in the 1800s. This piece shows classic rhombic form on the back of the specimen, while contacted on the other side. It has a slightly smoky color and good translucency when backlit. The luster is fairly good for the material, and the back of the piece shows a EUHEDRAL crystal, not a fragment or a rounded "pebble". The piece is from the Kay Robertson Collection (#8945) and is accompanied by a classic old hand written label from Mineralien-Comptor from C. F. Pech and another from John H. Caswell. The labels say that the piece is from Takowaja (presumably the Tokovaya River), but this was a locality often used for any gem material that came out of Russia, as I've seen Emeralds, Alexandrite and other Phenakites with this erroneous designation. A great opportunity to purchase a hard to find specimen of this beloved historic material.