Scapolite (fine rare matrix specimen)

Item Description

Here we have an attractive cabinet sized piece of Scapolite from a small find in Afghanistan around 2009. Matrix specimens of gemmy purple Scapolite are rare, as the vast majority of the crystals are typically found as loose singles, off matrix. It should be noted that Scapolite is not a species, and the term is often assigned to gems as it is more recognizable to most collectors. The actual species are Meionite and Marialite. Nonetheless, Scapolite is much less common in purple crystals as most of them are either yellow or colorless. Additionally Scapolite is they are one of the few purple minerals out there beyond more commonly known Kunzite (which is rarely truly purple) and Amethyst/Fluorite. This piece features several sharp, lustrous, GEM/gemmy, prismatic, soft pinkish-purple colored Scapolite crystals on matrix. Several of the crystals on this piece are nearly WATER-CLEAR and they measure up to 1.7 cm. The matrix features dark green colored crystals of an unknown mineral, possibly some kind of Pyroxene? If you missed out on these years ago, this is a fantastic opportunity to pick up one of the biggest and finest matrix pieces we've had to offer from Afghanistan. Priced at $2,000 in the inventory. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#71 AP), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.