Purple Apatite on Smoky Quartz

Item Description

Apatite is found in a wide range of mineralogical environments from ore bodies to pegmatites to metamorphic deposits. It's also found in virtually every color of the rainbow, but most mineral collectors would agree that the most sought after color is a strong royal purple hue, seldom seen from any locality. This miniature sized specimen hosts a fine quality, sharp, lustrous, striated prismatic crystal of beautiful purple Fluorapatite measuring 2.0 x 1.7 cm across aesthetically set atop a matrix comprising partial Smoky Quartz crystals with minor Muscovite and host rock matrix. I think my favorite aspect of the Apatite is the fact that it has a rarely seen pyramidal termination, which is incredibly hard to find in purple crystals from pegmatite environments. With good backlighting, the color comes through nicely, and the crystal has a wispy translucent interior. No damage to the front of the crystal, and it's actually protected on the back from host rock upon which it formed. Overall it's an attractive specimen that would make a fine addition to any gem crystal collection or a suite of minerals from Afghanistan. Originally from Herb Obodda's dealer inventory. The retail price on this specimen is $2,000.