Rutile ("Sagenite" twins) on Limonite pseudomorph after Pyrite

Item Description

Here we have a very attractive and classic specimen of the rarely seen Rutiles on Muscovite from Boiling Springs. This miniature features a beautiful 1.7 cm group of orange-red needles and "Sagenite" twinned crystals of Rutile sitting on brown Limonite which has pseudomorphed after preexisting Pyrite. For reference, the term Sagenite is used to describe any Rutile crystals which are twinned at 60 degree (120 degree) angles and intergrown into a defined "mesh"-like shape. The term was created by Horace Bénédict de Saussure in 1796 from the Greek & Latin word sagena, which means net. Beautiful to view up close, especially with the almost "plant-like" / organic shape seen in the Rutile crystals. Very hard to find on the market, and a must have for any fan of North Carolina minerals. The specimen comes with an old label from Cal Graeber.