Quartz paramorph after Tridymite (rare triclinic Quartz polymorph) (ex Al Kidwell Collection)

Item Description

For many years, these specimens from Zovon were labeled as Tridymite, which is a rare triclinic Quartz polymorph, but it has been proven that these are actually Quartz paramorphs after Tridymite. A paramorph describes two minerals that have the same chemical composition, but with a different crystal structure, e.g., Rutile and Brookite. Essentially these crystals formed with the flattened triclinic (pseudo-hexagonal) habit of Tridymite (low temperature), but morphed into Quartz (presumably because of an increase in temperature). These flattened crystals can be seen all over this specimen, and most of them are coated by soft blue colored Celadonite for a nice touch, though you can see the golden-tan hue of some of the uncoated by crystals. The crystals measure up to 6 mm. You NEVER see these on the market anymore, they were found decades ago, and they are a fantastic example of paramorphism in the mineral world. Don't miss out, as this is the only one of these pieces that we have to offer from this locality. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974.