Sanidine (gem quality Feldspar) (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

Sanidine is a potassium feldspar that is found in various localities around the world, but GEM quality material is scarce, especially in larger pieces. Recent analysis has shown that many of the famous yellow "Orthoclase" stones from the classic locality of Itrongay in Madagascar are actually some of the finest gem SANIDINES extant. The best of these crystals are good sized for the species (especially in gem material), but to find gem quality Feldspar with any color whatsoever is noteworthy. This thumbnail sized piece is an attractive yellow color, very sharp, well-formed, GEMMY single crystal, free of matrix. The front of the crystal is in great shape, but the back is contacted where it was removed from the pocket. These crystal are not very common, and are some of the finest Feldspars around in terms of sharpness, gemminess and beautiful color. From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collector who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).